INS Ranjit would be the Cock Ship for next year after its team won the coveted Cock Trophy in the Eastern Fleet Whaler Pulling Regatta on Sunday.
The pulling regatta conducted at the naval harbour saw 14 teams race a distance of 1.3-km on Sunday.
The teams competed across five categories — Best Whaler, Officers, Senior Sailors, Junior Sailors, and Two-Men Kayaks.
Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral A.B. Singh and other senior officers, sailors, and their families witnessed the keenly contested regatta.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni gave away the prizes.
INS Sahyadri came runner-up.
The pulling regatta, traditionally the most significant and competitive sporting events, highlights the ship’s determination, strength, coordination, and the will to fight for victory.
The ‘Whaler’ is a 27-ft. boat that is rowed by five men called ‘pullers’ using 17-ft. oars. Historically, pulling a bank of oars represents the earliest form of propulsion. The pulling regatta is a sailor’s way of re-emphasising the importance and the virtues of pulling together in harmony. For the modern sea-going fraternity, it signifies team work, enthusiasm, camaraderie, and ‘josh’.
The chief guest, while addressing the festive gathering, complimented everyone for the tremendous spirit and reminded them that pulling together was the ethos of the Navy. He also underscored the importance of sports and physical fitness in naval life.
