If you thought sailing was meant only for the deep-pocketed, think again. It’s now possible to rent a boat for as little as '499 per person. We sailed along Mumbai's coast to test the waters
Mumbai Guide, Travel, sailing, Mumbai's coast, Group on, Mumbai, Travel special, Gateway of India
Our idea of sailing has always been one that involves azure seas; us dressed in the latest sailing trends and an attendant at our beck and call as we nibble on gourmet cheese with a glass of bubbly for company. But the money involved in realising this dream would bring us crashing back to reality.
The weather calls for a sailing trip around Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan
To our rescue comes Groupon’s sailing experience deal — a tempting Rs 499 per person onwards. On hire are services by various sailing companies, with a maximum cost of Rs 999 per person.
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The boat can seat four people, excluding the crew
One can hire these boats for particular time slots, as they are non-motorised boats and the movement depends on different windspeeds. On a sunny weekday we jumped aboard one such sailboat to find out more.
With a little help from the crew, we learnt how to steer the boat. Pics/shadab khan
Getting jiggy
The boats are moored a little ahead of the harbour at the Gateway of India, and have to be reached by a motorboat. Our boat for the day was rather groovy-sounding, named Jiggy With It (Respect, Will Smith). This boat is offered by Tristar Travel and costs Rs 999 per person. They take on board a maximum of four people (in addition to the two men who man the boat). And, if you wish to organise an intimate date for two, you will have to pay for four people as that’s the minimum booking they accept. It seemed a good deal though as you can take food and soft drinks along. Once the journey starts, there isn’t much to do other than admire the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Hotel even as a few seagulls decided to give us company on the anchored boats.
The weather right now is perfect for sailing as the windspeed wasn’t high (during our slot) enough to make the ride choppy; besides the pleasant nip in the air made it an awesome experience. With a little help from the men manning the boat, one can even understand how to steer the boat and they will be happy to help you with the details of the working of the boat. Our boat also had a small cabin that can comfortably seat two people The Rs 699 boat is of the same size without the cabin we were told.
The journey lasted a good hour and fifteen minutes and the weather just made our mood merrier. This service would be a reasonable outing for those looking to do something different over the weekend with their group of friends. And if you miss the booze, you can hop off at the jetty to head to good ole Leo’s or Cafe Mondegar.
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