Where watersport lovers learn to sail

Mnarani Club Hotel in Kilifi sits on the edge of the Indian Ocean beckoning to sailors who are yet to get off their cosy rooms.

The bright light from the sun shines on the ocean waters mirroring the spotless azure sky as it patiently waits for guests.

The sea is calm with a few dhows disappearing into the horizon beyond the Kilifi creek.

This is the atmosphere around the hotel whenever sailors and water lovers troop in to blend with nature.

The neat hotel comes of age with great water sporting attractions from 3° South, a professional watersports company and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre.

From wind surfing, kayaking, water skiing, canoeing and the much sought-after sailing, owners of the Mnarari club are all set to impress patrons with several adrenaline-rush activities.

The club offers attractive packages for guests that include sailing and use of sailing equipment.

Learners can enjoy a free introductory lesson and choose to take a course if they desire. Like any hands-on activity, first-timers are often encouraged to venture out after each lesson.

This according to Anne Hickman, co-owner and instructor at 3° South, is meant to build their confidence in the sport.

“The aspiration is to get them out there,” she says assertively.

The learners are, however, never allowed to explore the blue waters on their own. A safety powered boat trails behind making sure they are safe. On lookers are also allowed to spectate from a boat as the fireball sailors set out in sea.

Creek

Fireballs are high performance vessels able to withstand tough wind as they race the courses. Professional sailors are known to use this dinghy. However, sailing at Mnarani is reserved for guests staying at the hotel. But this should not discourage you from visiting the creek.

The Kilifi Boat Yard, the second location offered by 3° South and is the best choice for anyone who wants to spend more time on the sport.

3° South is a commercial sailing centre and is open to members of the public. Here, every service and equipment has a price tag to it. Boats are available for hire while sailing lessons go for a flat rate of Sh20,000 per person.

Travellers

Unlike before when sailing was only associated with fishermen and sea travellers, today, we are witnessing a totally new picture of the activity locally. Kenyans, both young and old have renewed interest in the sport which has seen them not only register as members in clubs that offer packages for the sport but also actively grow a profession out of it.

Yatch

Tom Morton, treasurer of the Naivasha Yacht Club, one of the private members club away from the coast acknowledges that the sport is picking up among locals.

Tom, who took interest in the sport 30 years ago in the United Kingdom - sailing dinghies and bigger yachts, is optimistic about the development of the sport in Kenya.

As a matter of fact, they are hoping to have Kenya represented in future sailing events at the Olympics. The committee want to see promising Kenyans rise to stardom. This yea, the country was represented in the European championships marking a good start for the sport’s lovers.

Cadets

Each month, the Naivasha Yacht Club organises exciting weekend activities for their members such as racing, training and more informal events.
However, guests are welcome to try out the sport in the company of a member.

Training sessions are also available for cadets and adults. Kids from seven years are allowed to take part in sailing.