Mangaluru : Panambur Beach in Mangaluru, which already has a public-private partnership to enhance tourist facilities, on Wednesday received another attraction — Crazy Diamond, a sail boat that can offer the sailing experience of the days of yore.

Manufactured by Sheri Bamboat of XS Marines, Mumbai, the Sea Bird Mark 3 HF has been brought to Panambur by Mahesh Kamath, a sailing geek, who runs Mahesh Marines in Mangaluru. Though it has capacity to ferry two tonnes, Mr. Kamath has restricted it to six persons, including the crew. It is the first sail boat being offered to the public in Karnataka coast, Mr. Kamath claimed.

Launching the sail boat services here, Karnataka Coastal Development Authority Chairman Nivedit Alva said the initiative has opened up a whole new world for people in general and sailing enthusiasts in particular. Karnataka is endowed with a long sea shore and the authority is doing its best to bring about a lot of changes with concerted efforts, he said.

Mr. Kamath said his passion led to a lot of research in sailing and training in Mumbai. Since sailing requires wind power, it develops self-reliance among people, he said. By bringing Crazy Diamond to Panambur, Mr. Kamath wanted to show that sailing was no longer a rich man’s sport.

Though he is yet to fix sailing rates, full-day, half-day and evening sails would be offered to the interested. For the first 10 days, Mr. Kamath would offer free sailing to the enthusiasts. A typical sail would take at least one hour. The vessel is also fitted with a 10 HP petrol engine to face emergencies.

Mr. Kamath also has another Sea Bird vessel moored at Sultan Battery in the city, which he has kept for personal use. However, he might deploy the vessel at Kaup beach in Udupi district, which is being developed on PPP mode, he said.