Sailboats participating within the Unifi Capital Offshore Regatta 2023

It has solely been half an hour because the final of the sailboats has arrived at Chennai harbour after the finals of the second version of the Unifi Capital Offshore Regatta on April 7. The famished contributors who’ve been at sea for over 10 hours are ingesting tea on the Royal Madras Yacht Membership (RMYC).

Amongst them are Praveen Kumar (29) from Rajasthan and Imo Lemnok (25) from Nagaland. They arrive from states in India that wouldn’t have huge water our bodies, however are amongst these with the perfect command of the J80 class sailboats (racing keelboats) within the nation. Whereas Praveen’s staff from the Navy is the defending champion on this offshore regatta, Imo’s staff has positioned third on this yr’s shut remaining.

“When I’m crusing, I’m not simply competing with different contributors, I’m competing with the wind and water,” says Imo. Honorary secretary of RMYC, Captain Vivek Shanbhag, shares related ideas concerning the sport.

Members on the J80 sailboats of RMYC

“On a hectic day, I solely have to take the sailboat out for 2 hours. With solely the ocean and the breeze by my aspect, I find yourself instantly refreshed. All of the fatigue from flying disappears,” says the pilot, who has been crusing for over 10 years.

It’s in all probability why he and different members of the membership are encouraging novices to attempt their hand on the sport.

Taking the plunge

The 112-year-old RMYC is the primary crusing membership of South India. Although initially The Madras Yacht Membership, RMYC acquired a constitution on February 20, 1962 from Queen Elizabeth II, after which the prefix ‘Royal’ was added. Earlier, solely the ‘captains of business and commerce’ had been allowed to be members of the membership.

Now, nevertheless, this membership has opened its doorways to all eager contributors.

In addition to entry to the J80 class of sailboats, RMYC additionally has entry to extremely expert trainers and the assist of the Coastal Safety Group (CSG) of the Tamil Nadu Police, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, making the game protected, says Vivek.

Everyone seems to be given a life jacket. He provides that youngsters particularly are given classes on coping with capsizing as a part of their coaching.

RMYC’s Unifi Capital Offshore Regatta 2023

RMYC has been capable of produce champions and national-level aggressive sailors inside only one yr of coaching. Jitendra Dixit, joint honorary secretary of the Yachting Affiliation of India (the guardian physique of RMYC), says that they’re anticipating anyplace between six and eight medals on the Asian Video games in Japan in 2026.

Vivek says that crusing might be picked up at any time. The game additionally helps perceive the fundamentals of engineering. It’s a nice exercise because it workout routines the complete physique, and largely the core muscle tissue, he says.

RMYC is within the course of of coaching a civilian staff comprising ladies from the Tamil Nadu Police division to sail to Rameswaram from Chennai. They’re additionally teaching younger college students from fishing communities close to the harbour.

Sailboats by the Chennai harbour

“The Chennai waters supply a present peculiar solely to this area. The contour of the shoreline makes this present unpredictable. Therefore, individuals have to have primary data about it. With plentiful water, it’s only proper to discover the waves and profit from the expansive sea,” says Vivek.

For additional particulars, contact Capt. Vivek Shanbhag at captviki@gmail.com or 9841030880. Membership is priced at ₹30,000 for 3 years and ₹1 lakh for all times.