The Hindu : Kerala News : Yachters give Kochi a wide berth

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Sunday, Apr 17, 2011
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Kerala

Yachters give Kochi a wide berth

Piracy threat in the outer sea is among the reasons for fewer yachts calling at the Kochi marinathis season.

Only three foreign yachts are berthed at the Kochi International Marina, the sole marina in India, at a time when over 300 yachts are spread out in the sea and at marinas between the Maldives and Singapore.

This situation has been caused by piracy off the Somali and Yemeni coast, inadequate knowledge among yachters of the marina and visa-related problems, say the operators of the marina located on the eastern side of the KTDC-run Bolghatty Palace Hotel. The marina had brought in more number of seafarers in 2010-'11 (the first year of operation) than during the previous financial year.

“In contrast, we foresee a sharp fall in arrival of seafarers this year because of piracy and the other reasons,” said Cdr Jose Verghese, vice-president (operations) of Ocean Blue Boating, the marina's operators.

India holds much charm for the yachters and they would love to remain berthed in Kochi, but for these reasons. Taking the coastal route (which is free of pirates) while proceeding west towards the Mediterranean would considerably increase the sailing distance. Fearing pirates on the seas, many yachters skip the route to Kochi. Things would have been better had there been a system to issue visa on arrival in India.

“Visa rules in India are tuned more for air travellers than for seafarers. Travelling in their yacht to the U.S. or Europe to obtain a visa would take a lot of time, unlike those who travel in flights. The seafarer's visa might expire before they sail into India,” Cdr Verghese said. Another problem is that Kochi does not have the amenities and skill to undertake major repairs of the yachts.

In the absence of boat-lifts, hull and rigging repairs cannot be undertaken. This leaves seafarers who call at Kochi with just the option to execute minimum repairs of electrical, electronic and machinery items.

The inadequate patronage of the marina has also affected its expansion plans. It can berth 42 yachts of different sizes now.

The proposal to add another 30 berths has been shelved for now in view of the current situation.

John L. Paul

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