The eighth edition of the Admiral’s Cup Regatta, the annual international sailing event hosted by Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala here, will be conducted at Ettikulum Bay from December 3 to 7. According to an INA press release here on Wednesday, Naval trainees from 29 academies across the world will compete in the Laser Radial class.
The Admiral’s Cup Regatta was instituted by Indian Navy as a Fleet Race in a single crew Olympic class ‘Laser Radial’ sail boat in 2010 with eight international Naval Academies. It is said that Naval Academies of friendly foreign countries across the world were invited to take part in the eight edition of the race this year.
The countries participating in the race are Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam in addition to India.
Distinction
Upcoming race is set to have the highest number of participants in the world for any military sailing competitive event, it noted. The closest was the 2011 Military World Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with 26 countries participating during that event.
Iran, Russia, the Philippines and Vietnam are participating in the race here for the first time, the release said.
The participating teams will be competing in 16 races with each country being represented by two boats. The cup will be awarded to the best team winning the championship on the basis of its combined performance. Individual medals will also be awarded. Last year the cup was won by Singapore.
The teams are scheduled to arrive at the INA on December 2. The registration of team members, practice racing and opening ceremony are scheduled on December 3.
