Mumbai to Goa by sea: this 40-ft sailboat will get you there in 3 days

For your next trip to Goa, take a leaf out of Greta's book, ditch the flights and hit the sea instead. Antara, a 40-foot, Van de Stadt Design sailboat that's certified to sail all over the world can take you from Mumbai to Goa by sea, with a few beachy hops en route.

Mumbai to Goa by sea: the experience

The Mumbai to Goa sail can be planned over three to five days, depending on how much time you wish to spend at sea. Stops can be arranged at Murud-Janjira, Ratnagiri and Devgad in Konkan. Or you can even pull the sails down and go for a swim in the ocean—subject to weather, of course. For a comfortable journey, a maximum of four people, plus crew, are recommended on board. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even have long trips organised to Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maldives, Mauritius and beyond. The boat can be booked at Rs60,000 a day (plus taxes). The price includes all meals and snacks onboard, accommodation for four and a crew insurance cover.

For beginners who'd like to give it a try first, short, day-long excursions for 10 people can be organised around Mumbai and Goa.

The boat

Made for sailors, by a sailor, Antara is built for people who want to experience life at sea—not just set off on a joyride. Once onboard, you are no longer a guest, you're a part of the crew—the Captain makes sure of that. You are encouraged to learn the ropes: how to helm, read navigation charts, set the sails and read the winds, all under the expert guidance of Captain Dilip Donde and Antara's First Mate, Sucheta Jadhav.

Fitted with navigation trackers and radio equipment, the boat is fully equipped to stay safe and comfortable out at sea. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned seafarer, sailing trips aboard Antara are open to everyone—including your dog, as long as you clean up after. In the cabin, there are four bunk beds and a small bathroom with a sea-water shower. To cook your meals, there's a gas stove. Other than his keen navigation skills, Captain Donde is also known for his culinary skills, so you can look forward to everything from dosas to cheese sandwiches onboard. And if you like your food fresh, bring a fishing rod along!

The crew

Those slightly nervous about sailing the high seas can rest assured knowing they're in perfectly capable hands. A retired Naval officer, Captain Dilip Donde is one of India's most legendary sailors. He sailed around the world from April 2006 to May 2010, becoming the first Indian to complete a solo circumnavigation in an Indian built sailboat. Donde has since trained the next 7 Indian circumnavigators as well as the crew of INSV Tarini, the first all-woman Navy crew from India to sail around the world. Most recently, he sailed to Greenland and Iceland with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person in the world to sail solo and non stop around the world. Antara's trusty First Mate, Sucheta Jadhav, is also an accomplished sailor herself. She crewed in the 2017-19 Clipper Round the World Race where she sailed across the South Atlantic, from Punta del Este to Cape Town.

Find out more here . For bookings, contact them on  sailonantara@gmail.com