6 things nobody tells you about sailing
My sea-starved mind always tries to make the best of every opportunity to engage in water activities if I am in a city that is on the coast.
Ever since I went sailing for the first time, a few days back, in Mumbai, I have been itching to share the story with everyone. And, BTW, it was not a quiet boat ride into the sunset, but a rather butterflies-in-the-stomach-kind of yachting experience. Here are things I learnt, along with a mini-lesson in sailing:
1# Your heart sinks a little when you are signing a declaration that precisely sums up as you are responsible for your own safety. I mean, a regular procedural appendage but… Anyways, as your safety jacket is strapped on tight to your torso, the surge of phobia ebbs a bit (time for nervous smiles now, everyone).
2# The initial moments on the yacht quickly pass by enjoying the ride on the bumpy waves playing on the surface of the sea. And, strangely enough, you are asked to pack away your DSLRs, bags, even shoes inside a little trunk, leaving your mind buzzing with what can possibly happen next. Then the sails go up, and it all begins!
3# When your yacht makes a turn, and the sails catch the wind, those butterflies in your stomach almost try to escape from your mouth (along with a loud scream, in my case). The boat tips and tips further on one side, so much so that you can feel the water splashes on your back.
4# As you are soaking up information from your instructor on how to keep your yacht on course by managing the steering and holding on the ropes of the sails, you realise this is no mean task. Enjoyable as it is, it needs substantial arm strength and attention on the course at all times.
5# A flapy sail is not a happy sail - a lesson learnt onboard, which means the sails should never make any flapping noise. It should be held tight against the wind and there shouldn’t be any sound breaking the soothing silence of a quiet sailing experience.
6# As you settle down and start enjoying the ride, you catch a glimpse of the city skyline against the sunset and wonder if someone spray painted the entire town in golden hues. Ah, what a sight! Totally worth all the nerve-wrecking yet thrilling beginning.
PS: This is not a sponsored post. I went sailing with Aquasail on recommendation of a friend and completely enjoyed the experience. Our instructor was Mahesh, a delightful and very kind person who made our ride comfortable, informative and safe in every way possible. I’d highly recommend the experience for anyone visiting or in Mumbai, wanting to try out water activities.
The eye behind the lens: The images are clicked by my friend, confidant, the biggest critic of this blog and a constant source of inspiration, Venkata Susmita Biswas. When she's taking a break from her job as a journalist, she's donning the hat of a photographer and writer for her blog Culture Salad, crocheting incredible handmade items or devouring a book that has landed up on her reading list. She conjures magical food in her kitchen and plays board games with the passion and curiosity of a child. She's also an outdoor person with a strong liking for treks. Oh, and she travelled to 8 countries in the last two years!
