If you have always fantasised about sailing on pleasant waters to dream-like locations, say a remote island in the Andamans, take heart for it no more need remain a mere dream.
Chennai has about ten people who own power boats, and use them for sailing and sports.
And providing cheer to sailing enthusiasts is Shiva Swamynath, of Aquatainment that facilitates luxury leisure sport.
“Tamil Nadu has among the most ideal conditions for sailing but there were not many interested earlier, owing to regulations and security reasons. Now however, there are people showing interest,” Mr. Swamynath says.
The boats his company gets are from the Norwegian company, Viksund, and they come in different sizes.
While the massive family boat seems a designer's dream with stylish interiors, the midsized ones are sturdy too, and need just about 1.5 feet of water to start sailing.
“This is the best alternative to jet skiing that is banned in many countries. These boats come with fuel tanks that have 180 litres fuel capacity and can run easily for six hours,” he says, adding, “the experience is breath taking. These fly on waters.”
Scores of tuna migrating across the waters along the coast line and dolphins are regular companions for Mr Swamynath, on his various sailing expeditions.
“There are over 700 km of navigable back waters in Kerala that only a boat can take you across,” he says.
And they easily come for Rs. 15 lakh with not much cost involved in maintenance, he says.
And if you wish to go on voyages to destinations that you are not sure about, Indulgence, a niche product by Thomas Cook, promises to make the required plans.
“Of late, we have tourists coming up with plans of visiting off beats places. Right from going to Jakarta, to spending days in a tent in Mongolia, we arrange everything,” says Ramya Venkatesh, manager, Indulgence.
