If you have always looked at those sail boats or done just short trips and wondered how it would be to actually be at the helm, then your next Goa trip can be about all things Sailing. And these are not your motorised boats, but actual sail boats using just the wind to power you through. Be it kids or adults, it is really fun to learn how to sail and we’ve found two places in Goa that now offer you the chance to feel like Christopher Columbus.
Pirate Dreams? Here's How You Can Learn To Sail In Goa On Your Next Trip
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What Is It?
Goa Yacht Association
The Goa Yacht Association conducts the Level 1 course under the very experienced sailor Derek Menezes in Dona Paula, Goa. Derek himself has represented India at various sailing competitions and is a National Windsurfing Champion, who has been sailing probably before he could walk. He is not just an instructor, he is also a trainer which means he teaches others who want to become instructors, so you know you are in expert hands.
You could do a two-hour fun lesson or the the 10-hour course, which is equivalent to Level 1 as mandated by the global sailing body RYA. And since this a not-for profit body looking at solely promoting sailing, it costs just INR 10,000, which we think is a steal. They will cover a lot of essentials of sailing such as how to jibe and tack, or sail the boat in any angle of the wind, to moor the boat to a jetty or any other mooring as well as safety drills like what to do if there is a man overboard. By the end of this course, you will be fully capable of taking a boat out on the water by yourself, sailing it irrespective of which direction the wind is coming from and bringing it back. And it is a great stepping stone to seriously take up sailing, that is if this gets your juices pumping.
Additionally, they have the Laser single hand dinghies or the Seabird sailboats to learn on. If you are the young, energetic type who wants extra challenges then the Laser dinghy might be a better choice, but if like us you would like to learn sailing at a more relaxed pace then we definitely recommend the Seabird type boat to learn on. You can call Derek on +91 9822124457 or +91 7972479389 or even check the GYA page here for booking and more details.
Aquasail
Aquasail, that is located within the property of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Goa is another place where you can head to to indulge in all things nautical. Shakeel Kudrolli who heads this company is one of India’s foremost yachtsman and a World Champion and coach. His team of internationally recognized and certified instructors are capable of teaching you how to operate various types of boats. So be it a Hobie/ Dart, to Laser Bahia and Laser Pico’s, which are considered the worlds favourite sail boat dinghies, they have it all. At this centre, you could learn sailing beyond just Level 1, as they also offer advanced courses, but this one can be a little more expensive, what with courses such as learning on a Multihull, for example, starting at INR 20,000.
But if you are really serious about learning to sail, then this centre in Goa can be your one stop shop. They also teach other water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing. And whilst you are off learning to sail, the rest of the group can have even just a fun ride on one of their sailboats or learn something simple as kayaking. With a fairly large sailing centre, equipped with lockers, showers, toiletries, etc, and a theory centre other than the boats, it is well equipped to host even a 100 people for a sailing trip. And these guys also have centres with more sailing boat options at their Gateway Of India and Mandwa beach centre, so you could continue with your lessons even after your holiday in Goa.
For more details, pricing and facilities, you can check here. Do remember that they are shut during the monsoon months from June till September.
#LBBTip
Remember to wear comfortable clothing, shoes, a cap and sunglasses, and be prepared to get splashed by the waves.