The word catamaran has been derived from the Tamil words "Kattu Maram" meaning to tie up wooden logs or the tied up logs themselves. A nearly flat vessel was used in ancient South India which was roughly fashioned by tying up long logs of locally available light wood together. Such a vessel was called the Catamaran by the British to simulate the local tongue. Catamaran sailing traditionally was viable on shallow serene waters and so was extremely popular in the backwaters of Kerala.
Catamarans are hard to maneuver, but it is after all the thrill of the rigors undertaken and the heady speed at which the almost capsizing catamaran is resurrected by the pilot that is the allure of water sports and it is this allure that tows in thousands of adventure enthusiasts to the raging beaches of Kerala. The clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea fanned by the winds as the catamaran cuts through the waves and the scenic beauty of the golden sands and the sinking sun makes this water sport perfect in Kerala.
Water sport events are held annually in Kerala. Also tourist groups go on catamaran sailing expeditions starting from Alappuzha towards Kochi. Most tourist operators to Kerala arrange catamaran expeditions for tourist upon request.
Last Updated on 26 May 2011
