The 2nd edition of the Unifi Capital Offshore Regatta, being held from the 5th to 9th Apr 2023, was inaugurated this afternoon. The first event in 2021 was a grand success with some of the best teams in the country participating.
This event is being held under the aegis of Yachting Association of India, the apex sailing body and organized by the National J/80 Class Association (NJCA), Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) and the Royal Madras Yacht Club Ennore Centre (RMYC EC).
The Regatta was flagged off by Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Government of Tamil Nadu.
The Unifi Capital Offshore Regatta 2023, featuring J/80 sailboats, conforms to the safety standards of World Sailing, the world’s governing body for the sport of sailing. These boats are very popular in the world for offshore sailing and are racing in the Bay of Bengal from Chennai port to Kamarajar Port and Mahabalipuram.
Being an Offshore event, safety is very important, and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Coast Guard tracks the boats. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard are providing logistical support.
Captain Jitendra Dixit, Jt. Honorary Secretary of the Yachting Association of India said, “The objectives of this event are the promotion of the sport of sailing especially offshore sailing in the Bay of Bengal. Over the last few years, India has won numerous medals at International events and for the first time fielded three teams consisting of four sailors in the Olympics.”
Mr. Sandeep Nanduri IAS, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation mentioned “Tamil Nadu Government wants to promote eco-friendly tourism. With a coastline of more than 1000 km, Tamil Nadu is dotted with many ports and harbours with a huge potential for promoting sailing for tourists.”
Both concurred that the need of the hour is to help preserve our oceans and coasts from pollution. Sailing being an eco-friendly activity is a great way to attract public and create awareness to prevent man-made pollution of oceans.
A series of such events will be conducted.
Capt. Vivek Shanbhag, Honorary Secretary of the National J/80 Class Association said, “The boats are being provided with trackers from Elektronik Labs for continuous coverage.” The public can view this race from anywhere in the world on the Website: www.trackanything.in, user name: rmyc@elab.com, password: rmyc
With 8 teams competing, the event features sailors of international repute:
Lt. Cdr Vartika Joshi, the naval officer who captained the all-women team which circumnavigated the globe and recipient of the Naari Shakti Puraskar and the Nau Sena Medal.
Murgan Nadar who was ranked 3rd at the J/80 World Championship 2019 in Spain in the Mixed Category as also national medalist on Optimist, Cadet Class, Enterprise, Fireball, Seabird, Omega, Lightening and match racing on J/24s.
Abhimanyu Panwar who was ranked 4th at the J/80 Asian Championship 2019 in the Open category.
Chinna Reddy who has won many national championships and gold at the Sail the Gulf International Regatta, Qatar.
Imo Lemnok who won this championship in 2020, Hobie 16 champion 2014 apart from many international medals.
Praveen Kumar who won the bronze at Guangzhou Nansa International Regatta 2018 as well as the 470 Class champion in 2018.
Yakubu who has won gold in the 420 class, Hobie 16 and Sail the Gulf International Regatta, Qatar
Sunil Lobo a sailor of repute and who has coached many champions.
YACHTING ASSOCIATION OF INDIA – The YAI is the governing body for sailing, windsurfing, motor boating, powerboat racing and personal water craft, at sea and on inland waters in India. The YAI is affiliated to World Sailing, the world governing body for the sport of sailing.Mr. Shiva Swamynath, Organizing Secretary of the event said “With 8 of the best teams participating, the competition will be intense. The five day event will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony on 9th Apr 2023.”
ROYAL MADRAS YACHT CLUB – The Royal Madras Yacht Club (estd 1911) is the first Accredited Training Centre of YAI in South India. This is the only Club in the country with a fleet of the contemporary J80s sail boats. The Club’s primary purpose is to promote the sport of sailing and takes pride in being an active, inclusive and family friendly sailing club.
ROYAL MADRAS YACHT CLUB ENNORE CENTRE – The Royal Madras Yacht Club Ennore Centre (estd 2019) is located inside the Kamarajar Port Limited. The Club is actively promoting offshore sailing in the Bay of Bengal and conducts sailing courses to maritime students. The Club has huge potential to hold mega sailing championships.
