An account of Yacht Sailing in Andaman by Margie and Bob Guthrie and how Andaman Holidays became their partner of choice!
Sailing is such an amazing experience that once you fall in love, it becomes a lifetime affair. No matter where you are and what you do, the call of the open sea is always ringing in your years. If your hair isn’t flying in the wind and the fresh spray of sea water isn’t kissing your face, you really aren’t living.
For those with such a love for sailing, the Andaman sea holds an intoxicating promise coupled with great expectations. In a dream vacation, read about Margie and Bob Guthrie’s visit to Andaman on their yacht.
Margie and Bob (like many of us) had Andaman on their dream destination list for almost 20 years! When they moved to Phuket, their dream was within reach for the first time in many years. As the universe conspired, their son and daughter-in-law were spending the Christmas with them and they decided to cruise to Andaman and realize their dream.
One of the few destinations in the world that is not overrun by other boats, Andaman provides a beautiful, serene sailing experience. Add to it a prominent past, the distinct Indian culture and amazing marine life, it simply becomes picture perfect.
Although they would have loved to spend three weeks cruising the sea, they gathered a handful of interesting experiences in the eight days they were there covering Havelock, North Button Island, Henry Lawrence Island and Neil Island. They even stayed for a couple of nights in Port Blair to take in the local sights and culture.
Bob and Margie’s dream became a reality as they had an Andaman Holiday expert by their side every step of the way. Right from making the entry and exit formalities smooth (dubbed as ‘notoriously bureaucratic’) to taking care of arrival and departure procedures, Andaman Holidays arranged for their sailing to be as good as the Andaman sea.
Bob said, “We used a local Agent, Andaman Holidays, to to process entry and exit formalities which are notoriously bureaucratic. In our opinion, this was well worth the additional cost and in we were completely satisfied with them, and their representative, Rathnam, who was helpful, informative, and efficient. On both arrival and departure, check-in/check-out procedures went smoothly and the officials were courteous and efficient.
Rathnam also arranged diesel fuel for us which had to be collected from the jetty in 25 litre jerrycans using our dinghy.“
This is the key difference that makes your breaks your vacation. Several others who have tried to enter Andaman for sailing have had a rough experience going through the set processes. Though the government is working hard to make things easier, having a trusted shipping expert by your side will ensure a smooth sailing.
Want to visit Andaman for yacht sailing? Connect with us today!
P.S. For a first hand account of Bob and Margie’s experience, click here