Do not lag behind”. We take a curve to head back in a straight line. The five boats will be led by a security boat. And my partner and I decide to take turns. The boat, the speaker adds is one of a kind, and spill proof.It does, but by then, to our dismay we realise our boat has decided to go back and is resolutely facing the shore.. On the boat ride.Fact fileThe Seakart is a boat with a 110 horse power, 4-stroke engine (no wonder the rodeo). Never knew boats were afraid of open seas! “The engine, start it, or we can’t steer”, I murmur, and we manage to get back on course. The ocean’s our friend! Then it is time to cut across the current.. The boat bucks, but purrs along like a tamed cat on a leash.We have been tutoured well. “It is very choppy,” Fareeda says. Boat five is yet to start, and we have a crossed arms sign to cut the engine, as we wait for boat five.. The others play tag, catching up, falling behind. Bouyed by the pep talk, I can’t wait to check out this wonderbeast. Among the many delights on offer, besides the beach is the Seakart Ride. Anything deeper than a bath tub has me worrying, spluttering and all the other inelegant things that people do when water overpowers them.Packages come in three options:One hour, which includes a cold drink on return. There after a brief halt, partners can change seats, and start back.It has a telescopic ladder, for those who wish to swim while out at sea, and climb back. And before I know it, I put my hand up, volunteering to steer one of the boats. Mid sea, with unexpected bravado, as our craft rocks violently, Fareeda and I change places. “Press the red panel on steering to go, don’t panic when nose goes up. To begin, we will follow in a straight line, then at a point, in a formation: two alongside, two at a 45-degree angle behind, and ride till we reach the island. We see a camera aimed at us, and wave. Boat number five has turned too sharply, wayoff course. One look at the wide and unending expanse of the Indian Ocean stretching all the way to infinity and. “I want to go back”. And yes, the guy in the security boat will also ensure he gets photos of everyone.
There are two of us in each boat.So, off we go. Waves splash us and we hit the highs and dips with sharp slapping sounds.Full day, which includes 3 ½ hours in the boat, lunch at Benitier’s island.Not knowing to swim also brings with it a fear of water. Fareeda can’t swim either, but I don’t want to be the one responsible for us gasping like fish should the invincible qualities of the boat prove a vain boast. “Can you handle it?” I’ll be damned if I don’t try! When the signal comes, I press the switch, and accelerate.The Seakart is not on view where I stand. By a series of deaccelerations I hold my position alongside the leading boat; getting a Thumbs up reward. It is a lesson in discipline and team work. So we wait, bobbing China rubber bottom door mats manufacturer along the waves in what, without engine power, is but an inflatable tube! Then we are off again.Half day, which includes lunch, and 2 hours of navigation. The ride is tailored to take half an hour each way, and we are definitely out of time. But I am assured it is fully safe. The boat, which only flats when the engine is off, waits nearby, like a faithful steed. And we are off. Years of driving cars come to the rescue. A quick briefing by the staff tells us that we will not make acquaintance with the waters. The boat starts bucking like a rodeo horse. I am in Mauritius in June, and though the sun shines bright, it is balmy, and pleasant.It has a turbine propeller, which means zero danger. The guys on the security boat are edgy. Smooth going as we keep our place along the security boat.Booking in advance is a must. Keep distance. Crossed hands mean cut the engine. And the life jacket will ensure, even if the unthinkable happens and the boat gets punctured by a jagged rock I choose to drive it into, that I will float unharmed on the ocean, and not disappear without a trace. It is never a selfie moment.mu. Once we are safely on shore again, the security boat goes out to tow boat number five in. Fareeda and I mumble the instructions to each other. Boats three and five are way behind. Email id: contactfun-adventure.Using the remote safety button, the security boat cuts the engine; stalling it. We start with a jerk, then as Fareeda eases her pull on the accelerator, we slow down, and stop.. Every touch of the wheel makes for sharp angular turns, but we master its moods. “You go first,” I tell Fareeda, my partner in danger. As we dry our wet behinds, Fareeda and I, as if on cue, say what each of us is thinking, out loud. So someone tell me why I have put my hand up when the girl at reception asks, “Who among you wants to drive the boat?” But to begin at the beginning
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