Riding the Ruby
The nicest part of the overnight stay on the Ruby, Sail Lanka’s 43-foot luxury yacht which has three air conditioned, double cabins with attached bathrooms, was that the boat rocked us to sleep. The movement of the waves was like the gentle rocking of a cot and putting a baby to sleep.
Awake the next morning by dawn, we had a nice breakfast of fruit, bread and eggs and then set off on a whale watching expedition.
Earlier on the previous day, we arrived at the Mirissa harbour and boarded the Ruby at around 4 pm. After sailing for a few hours, we set anchor a few metres off the Weligama beach and while having a sumptuous dinner prepared by chef Madushan, watch a fireworks display from the nearby Marriot hotel by a wedding party.
It was the perfect start to a day, ahead, where we were lucky to see 3-5 whales at close quarters. The Ruby and three Ceycat catamarans (with 4 double cabins and bathrooms) are hired out for 3-4 day voyages in the north, east and south while three other yachts are hired for day trips with one able to carry 40 people.
Our crew comprising skipper Samitha, IP and Chamal were constantly busy steering, setting up sails or bringing them down or helping the chef in the kitchen. The chef in turn helped in boat operations while the crew was at hand to answer any questions about the sea, whales and the coastal scenery. “That’s a navy hotel,” points out Samitha as we glide through waters.
The next morning, after breakfast we head to near the shipping lanes, about 15 km off shore where the whales are present. After going at 6 knots per hour and followed by other whale watching boats, Samitha spots some activity at a distance in the water and steers the boat to that location. Other boats also converge just in time to see a blue whale rising for fresh air and diving into the ocean. There is excitement for myself, photographer Ishanka and Ranjit Perera, Sail Lanka’s affable PR consultant, as we craned forward to get a better view. Not so for Samitha who has seen dozens of whales since sailing for the past 14 years.
After spending another two hours, waiting and eventually seeing three to four whales, we return to shore having lunch en route and spending almost 24 hours offshore. There are many things to do during these trips like snorkeling, swimming and fishing.