A voyage of rediscovery

He is both buoy and anchor of the project. "I hope you will be convinced that this is a wonderful project deserving of your support,” says veteran yachtsman and ex Indian Navy (IN) captain Soli Contractor. His dream, which he calls "The Zoroastrian exodus — a rediscovery,” seeks to reenact the voyage of the first group of Zoroastrians to flee Persia in sailing boats in the 10th century to escape religious persecution and their landing in India.

Contractor’s aim is to build two replicas of the Persian trading vessels of that time and to sail from the port of Hormuzd, situated close to the mouth of the Persian Gulf, to Diu at the southern tip of Saurashtra, and then onwards to Sanjan in Gujarat (where the original settlers supposedly took up abode after their 19-year stay in Diu) with around 25 Zoroastrian men, women and children in each boat. "You will no doubt ask how and why I feel competent to put this project together and carry it through to a successful conclusion,” states the mariner who was, according to his bio data, India’s first Olympic yachtsman (at the Munich Games in 1972), India’s bronze medallist at the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1970 and who has won the Arjuna Award for excellence in yachting.

Trading vessels of yore

"I served in the Navy for 25 years and my specialization was navigation,” relates Contractor. "I have navigated a warship in the Gulf and taken my ship into the modern port of Bunder Abbas which is very close to Hormuzd. I have designed a dhow (for a client) to be built as a yacht and supervised her construction. I have restored a very old dhow, at that time 112 years old, and sailed her to Bombay. Dhows are the modern version of the Persian trading vessels. Their shape and rigging have changed little over the centuries.” Contractor’s family concern, Ava Marine Services, builds, maintains and manages private yachts and boats.

Contractor has shortlisted two yards in Mangalore competent to build the boats cost effectively to a design. After the construction, which will itself take around nine months, the boats will be brought to Bombay for fitting out, registration and training of crew. "The intention is for the boats to sail with just the crew to the Persian Gulf, take on the Zoroastrian ‘emigrants’ there in the dead of night and then sail for India,” he explains, adding that they intend to be very careful about the selection of volunteers being signed on for this historic voyage as they will be on board not just as passengers but will be required to do their bit in the sailing of the vessel, cleaning, cooking and sundry tasks.

For nautical enthusiasts, the expedition offers a sea of opportunity to unfurl the sail of adventure, to strengthen sea legs and enjoy wind and waves. "I have a few students from Rustom Baug (where he resides) who are learning to sail. Among the keenest is a girl,” he says. Contractor is counting on support from Zoroastrian business houses, some of whom like the Godrej family are avid sailing enthusiasts, as also large corporates to provide sponsorship.

The major problem, fore, aft, port and starboard, is of course finance, with the construction costs of each boat estimated at Rs 85 lakhs, plus other expenses like registration, insurance, port charges, rations, medical supplies, etc escalating the cost to a whopping one and a quarter crores per boat. This estimate presumes that crew and ‘emigrants’ will be volunteers. "In the unlikely event that we do not get volunteers, we may require to set aside some money for a professional crew,” asserts Contractor. It is also presumed that ‘emigrants’ will be willing to pay their own way to Hormuzd and their stay there just prior to setting off on the voyage which is expected to take, depending on favorable wind direction and speed, about three to four weeks to Diu and another six to seven days to Sanjan.

To preserve authenticity, Contractor would like to have an entirely Zoroastrian crew and ‘emigrants,’ including a priest and a doctor. "We know we are going to have problems with modern day rules and regulations which did not exist in the 10th century. We are going to have to contend with modern day bureaucracy. We are going to encounter supertankers and the American fleet at sea, which our forefathers never imagined,” he declares.

In keeping with the exigencies of the 21st century, Contractor believes that for the safety of all on board each boat needs to be fitted with a small engine for use only in emergencies, which would include getting out of the way of ships which do not appear to have seen you and are on a collision course and diversion in case of medical urgency. A wireless set would keep base informed of the boats’ daily progress, receive weather warnings or communicate with the Navy or Coast Guard if required in an emergency. The Navy has offered to help with port clearances and other formalities, says 66-year-old Contractor.

All funds will be channelized into a registered trust and accounts will be audited, he says. The entire expedition is to be recorded in the form of a documentary and an illustrated book. "This project can act as a great community motivator. It will enlighten the younger generation about the difficulties faced by our forefathers and record a legacy for a community declining in numbers. It will also focus the attention of the (general) public on Parsi history... and showcase ancient seafaring skills,” he believes.

Contractor says his wife Jer, to whom he has been wed for almost 40 years, is the "directional and inspirational force behind the project.” Elder son Maneck is good with boats and builds and maintains them, alongside owning and running a restaurant called Fiesta in Baga, Goa with his German/Indian wife Pyal. Second son Phiroze joined the family firm and runs Ava Marine Services in Bombay where he resides with wife Parizad.

"I feel strongly that this project should be supported by the Parsi community, rather than my going elsewhere for financial support. I am determined to see this project through to a successful conclusion and hope that Zoroastrians all over the world will support it,” states Soli who can be contacted at 11/4 Rustom Baug, Sant Savta Marg, Byculla, Bombay 400027. Tel: 23714209, 23720603. E-mail: avamarine@vsnl.net