Most of our guests have never sailed before — and that's exactly who these charters are built for. You don't need any experience, any special fitness, or any sailing vocabulary. Here's what actually happens, from the moment you arrive to the moment you step back on land.

Will I Get Seasick?

Almost certainly not. Mumbai harbour is sheltered water, not open ocean — the boat moves with a gentle rock rather than the kind of swell that causes seasickness. If you're prone to motion sickness generally, sitting toward the centre of the boat and keeping your eyes on the horizon helps, and it's worth mentioning to your skipper so they can suggest the smoothest spot on deck.

What Should I Wear?

  • Comfortable, casual clothing — nothing that restricts movement.
  • Flat, non-marking shoes, or bare feet (most guests end up barefoot on deck).
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for day sails; a light jacket for evening ones.
  • A dry bag or ziplock for your phone if you're worried about spray.

What Actually Happens When You Board

You'll meet your skipper at the departure point near the Gateway of India. Before setting off, everyone gets a life jacket and a short safety briefing — where to sit, what to hold onto, and what to do if the boat heels (leans) as it catches the wind, which is completely normal and part of what makes sailing feel different from a motorboat.

Once underway, there's genuinely nothing for you to do unless you want to. Most guests just sit back, take photos, and enjoy the skyline. If you're curious, skippers are usually happy to explain what they're doing with the sail and let you take the helm for a few minutes in calm water.

"I expected to be nervous the whole time. Ten minutes in, I forgot I'd never done this before."

Is It Safe For Kids And Older Guests?

Yes — our boats are steady, and life jackets are sized for children as well as adults. The main thing to plan around is boarding: stepping from the jetty onto the boat needs a bit of balance, so let us know in advance if anyone in your group has mobility concerns and we'll suggest the easiest boarding point and boat for your group.

What If I Get Nervous Mid-Sail?

Tell your skipper. Every boat can slow down, adjust the sail, or head back early if needed — there's no obligation to stay out for the full duration if something feels off. In practice, this is rare; most first-timers relax within the first ten minutes once they realise how stable the boat actually feels.

A Quick Pre-Sail Checklist

  • Wear flat shoes or plan to go barefoot.
  • Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for evenings.
  • Eat something light beforehand — sailing on an empty stomach isn't ideal.
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early for the safety briefing.
  • Mention any health concerns, mobility needs, or nerves to your skipper upfront.

Once you've got the basics down, the only real decision left is when to go — and for that, our guide to sunset sailing covers the best time of day to book.