Chief of Naval Staff, Nirmal Verma, unveiled an Optimist boat to mark the launch of the YAI-TNSA India International Regatta, at the Taj Connemara here on Monday.
The regatta, which will see more than 100 sailors from ten countries — including Ireland, Malaysia, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Indonesia — participate, will be held from October 4 to 9 off the Chennai Port.
The regatta will be organised in two racing categories — the single-handed Optimist dinghy for the sub junior sailors and the 29er for the higher age-category sailors.
The races will be conducted by International Race Officer Ikler Bayindir of Turkey, who will be assisted by National Race Officer Md. Afendy of Malaysia and Captain Ravikumar Manian of India.
Speaking about the regatta, Nirmal Verma said it would represent an opportunity to “showcase top talent and provide young Indians with a terrific opportunity to learn and develop into future World Champions.”
Commodre of Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, Ashok Thakkar, said sailing is poised for “great growth in Tamil Nadu with the State Government's decision to build an international class Marina.”
Earlier, placid weather conditions led to the abandonment of the practice race which was scheduled for the afternoon.
Winds of less than two knots convinced the race committee to call off the race, and the opportunity was used instead to drop mark and lay out the course for the races beginning on Tuesday.
