Sailing
An honest starting guide to sailing in India
Where to learn, what it costs, how long it takes, and whether you must swim first.
8 March 2026 · 1 min read
Sailing here has a reputation for being expensive and closed. The cost is less of an issue than it was, and most clubs are short of new members.
Start in a dinghy
A dinghy teaches more in a weekend than a big yacht does in a month, because every action has an obvious effect. It's also cheaper, and capsizing is a rite of passage.
Swimming
Not required. Everyone wears a buoyancy aid and a safety boat stays out, though being at ease in water helps you learn.
Certification
You need none to sail with friends. To charter abroad or skipper, the RYA route is Competent Crew, Day Skipper theory, then Day Skipper practical, which most international charter firms ask for.
When to learn
October to May, since the monsoon stops west coast sailing. October and November are the most pleasant months.
