The Solita
Charter the `Solita', a premium quality 42-foot motor yacht
It is time to experience the vacation of a lifetime aboard a luxury, all-inclusive, professionally crewed yacht in Goa. Escape from the crowded cities to white sandy beaches, clear blue water, sumptuous dining and fresh cocktails, and sunshine every day of the season from October to April. You can charter the Solita on an hourly or daily basis and you are free to take up to 27 guests on the cruise. The charter means that the cruise will be exclusively for you and your guests.
The Solita is a 42 feet classic Grand Banks-style motor yacht. It has comfortable and easy seating on the flybridge, rear and front decks. Twin 145 hp diesel engines from John Deere propel the yacht, with a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots.
Beneath the spacious deck is a large lounge room with entertainment facilities, a fully equipped pantry and two bedroom cabins with en-suite baths. Handcrafted teak wood enhance the classic interiors.
The yacht which accommodates up to 27 guests, comes with a fully qualified crew of four including the captain, an engineer and two stewards. She can be chartered on an hourly or daily basis with customised itineraries.
In the morning, cruise out to sea passing the Reis Magos Fort, Miramar Beach, the Governor's Residence and the Historical Aguada Jail. You're bound to see dolphins - watching one jump out of the water is a special sight. Drop anchor in front of a palm-fringed beach to swim, lap up the sun and to enjoy a lunch on board the yacht.
In the afternoon, let the `Solita' take you on a gentle journey on the Mapusa and Mandovi rivers giving you a glimpse of the village life along the Goan backwaters. This is also an area of rich birdlife. As the sunset approaches, cruise out to sea towards the setting sun. When darkness has set in, anchor is a quiet bay to enjoy a light dinner under the stars of Goa.
Put away those heavy suits and forget about claustrophobic boardrooms and host your business meetings, cocktails, press conferences, post-conference drinks etc. in a different ambience. Absolutely private, with a sweeping horizon and an open tranquil setting that makes any evening unforgettable.
Celebrate any occasion - birthday, anniversary; surprise your loved one or spend a romantic evening with soft jazz and murmur of waves. With sky and sea being your companions, there would be enough privacy on-board The Solita.
A truly romantic experience; spend the night aboard the luxurious 'Solita' with the Penha de Franca Church as your backdrop. Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard as you watch the stars.
Hans Tuinman and Sucheta Potnis pioneered the concept of luxury cruises in India. They commissioned the yacht from Bristol Boats in Cochin in 1992 and a year later the yacht was launched. The arrival of the 'Solita' in Goa in April 1993 created a huge sensation as she was the first luxury yacht in India which was made available for charter. In the many years of her operations in Goa, the `Solita' has drawn an exclusive clientele from India and abroad.
A cruise on the 'Solita' is a must on the itinerary of the more affluent and discerning travellers to Goa. In fact, the `Solita' has become somewhat of a legend in Goa with a song written about her by India's premier rock star, Remo Fernandes on his album 'India Beyond'.
From the gentle murmur of a purring engine - to the sounds of water lapping at her snow white sides - to a playful dolphin teasing and inviting you to swim - to a sunset, a moon rise, a star set - to a huge white washed church suddenly bursting into view and reminding you of 450 years of Portuguese guitars - to a most unexpected cremation taking place on a river bank where cremations have taken place forever, evoking the strains of a thousand-year-old raag - all these and more are the gifts of 'Solita'.
Remo Fernandes