Star of the Indian Ocean - Kochi Gears up

Kochi Harbour at sunset, showing famed Chinese fishing nets in the distance SW

Kochi suburb of old Fort Cochin © SW

and occupies a prime location near the business district
- Al-Bandar resort, which has 300 boats in the water and on its dry dock; and the adjacent Yacht Club, which takes a further 250 boats.

As well as catering for visiting boats, boating and sports sailing are gaining popularity with the local population, which is one of the richest in India.

With a vast but intimate harbour, appropriate climate, welcoming people, year round cultural events, the port will not only be a haven for yachts, but a tourist delight as well.

Until recently, the main

There are continual cultural Hindu, Muslim and Christian events © SW

location for local leisure boating in India was Mumbai, but the recent tragic terror attacks have turned the eyes of investors and sailors southward to the harbour city of Kochi.

Preparations for the recent Volvo Ocean Race have left a venue that is excellent by any standards. For the first time in the event’s history the famous race called in at a port in India, which formed a turning point for Kochi's fortunes.

Apart from many small sailing events held in Kochi, big sailing regattas - like the Blue Ocean Race - are are putting Kochi onto the permanent sailing stage.

Cruising the myriad of ’backwaters’ in a comfortable rice boat offers many scenes like this © SW

With the success of the Indian International Boat Show being held for the fifth year, and the first Annual General Meeting of the India Marine Federation held last year there's no turning back.

There is substantial infrastructure and property development taking place, with 10 new waterside property and marina projects under way. These include the Bahrain Financial Harbour complex, Bahrain Bay, Durrat Al Bahrain and the Amway Islands. All of these projects have marinas and will be completed over the next five years.