While actress Hamsa Nandini’s glamorous acts are evident on screen, away from the arc lights, she is an adventure freak and a travel junkie. Recently she pursued a sailing course with aplomb. Apparently, it was a 13-year-old girl who has inspired the actress to take up the course. “I came across a documentary on the Internet about a 13-year-old who sailed around the world. The idea fascinated me. I love adventure sports, and I did some research on sailing. I then enrolled at the Langkawi School (Thailand) sailing course.” Describing her experience as thrilling, Hamsa says, “It has been exhilarating. Apart from learning, I met people from different countries, sailing communities, and got to know their cultures, etc. Spending time in the exotic beaches, beautiful sunsets, indulging in sea food, sundowners, etc., was memorable.”
The six-day course, covering 150 miles, spans through exotic islands like PatongKo Miang, Ko Similan Islands, Ban Thap Lamu and Nai Yang. She reveals, “You can get to these islands only through sailing, so understanding the wind flow and speed is the key. I learnt how to anchor a boat (sail), when to slow it down and change directions, sailing in difficult conditions, etc. My skipper (captain) helped me get through all these things. I was awarded the best student and best sailor and now I am a certified sailor.”
However, it wasn’t easy for the actress to get through the course. “I was in great discomfort on the first day as a result of sea sickness, particularly snorkelling. Sailing in 40 degrees plus temperature was not easy either. I had to apply a lot of sun screen creams to avoid sun burns. Also, taking a shower on the deck, shampooing the hair, removing the tan, etc., were difficult with limited fresh water supply,” she says, and adds “Plus, staying overnight on the boat, in the middle of the sea was a bit scary. But overall, the trip gave me a sense of achievement and satisfaction.”
