The conditions were challenging for the young sailors on the first day of the India International Regatta at the Chennai Port here on Tuesday.
Shifting winds varying between zero and nine knots made things difficult for them to gain momentum; it even resulted in the abandonment of one race each in Optimist and 29er class respectively.
Undeterred, the youngsters did put up a good show. Chintan Chattbar of India who led throughout the first race in Optimist class found to his disappointment at the end that he was on the course side before the race started and was therefore disqualified.
This resulted in Leah Govias of India bagging the first place.
Indonesia's Jimi finished second and Peter Lin Janezic of Slovenia third. Peter, however, emerged triumphant in second race followed by Conor O'Beirne of Ireland and India's Zahabiyah.
Varsha Gautham and Aishwarya Chezhiyan finished first in the first race and second in the second. K.C. Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar pair emerged second in the first race and first in the second.
Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff watched the first race in the afternoon and was impressed with the host, Tamil Nadu Sailing Association's organisational skills.
The results (provisional):
Optimists: Race 1: 1. Leah Govias (India), 2. Jimi (Indonesia), 3. Peter Lin Janezic (Slovenia).
Race 2: 1. Peter Lin Janezic (Slovenia), 2. Conor O'Beirne (Ireland), 3. Zahabiyah (India).
29er: Race 1: Varsha Gautham & Aishwarya Chezhiyan, 2. K.C. Ganapathy & Varun Thakkar, 3. Hussain Bhavnagarwala & Praveen.
Race 2 : 1. K.C. Ganapathy & Varun Thakkar, 2. Varsha Gautham & Aishwarya Chezhiyan, 3. Shiv Rekhi & Ankit.
