Chennai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The opening day of racing at the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta proved to be fulfilling and eventful, with three races completed across various classes amid the challenging yet steady Chennai conditions.

Wind speeds were notably stable throughout the day, averaging around 18 knots, which created perfect racing conditions for the Optimist, ILCA 4, and International 420 fleets. In contrast, the high-performance 29er and iQFOiL classes faced tougher challenges as boat speeds and handling demands surged in these stronger winds.

The sea conditions were characteristically Chennai, featuring choppy waters with numerous white caps, which added to both the physical and tactical challenges. However, the lack of significant wind shifts, with direction consistently holding between 45 and 50 degrees, allowed the Race Committee to conduct uninterrupted races without course adjustments, enhancing the quality and efficiency of race management on the first day.

For many younger sailors participating in their first international regatta, the conditions were demanding. Nonetheless, they displayed admirable resilience, managing to stay competitive and gaining invaluable experience in such testing circumstances.

The ILCA 4 fleet, recognized as an Asian Games class, experienced particularly fierce competition, with the race for the top three positions standing out as one of the day’s highlights, showcasing the fleet's depth and quality.

After a long yet rewarding five-hour day on the water, sailors, coaches, and officials returned to shore content with what many described as remarkable sailing conditions. A smooth first racing day is crucial for helping competitors and race teams find their rhythm, and Day 1 successfully set a positive tone for the remainder of the regatta.

A significant highlight of this year’s regatta will be the attendance of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who will officiate the races on 8th January 2026. His involvement adds considerable national significance to the event, reflecting the growing synergy between competitive sailing, maritime capacity-building, and India’s long-term vision for Amrit Kaal leading up to 2047.

The Minister’s presence underscores the connection between ports, shipping, inland waterways, and maritime sports, where infrastructure supports commerce, shipping fuels economic growth, and sailing fosters the human capital that will drive India’s maritime ambitions in the years to come. The discipline, seamanship, and decision-making skills honed through sailing parallel the competencies needed as India advances its goals under Vision 2047.

The India International Regatta has grown into one of the most esteemed international sailing events in the region, drawing participants from countries such as Ireland, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, Malaysia, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, alongside a robust contingent of Indian sailors. This year’s edition is poised for heightened competition, particularly given the recent accomplishments of TNSA sailors who have qualified for the Olympics and earned medals at the Asian Games.

By providing boats and equipment to teams in competition, the regatta facilitates broader international participation and encourages cultural exchange among young sailors, reinforcing Chennai’s status as a hub for international sailing and maritime sports.

With a legacy extending over a decade, the India International Regatta continues to be a pivotal platform for cultivating future champions and enhancing India’s maritime sports ecosystem.

PROVISIONAL RESULTS

DAY 1

OPTIMIST GIRLS

Shringhari Roy - IND (SSC)

Philippa Aisling Cox Arthurs - IRL

Rameeza Bhanu - IND (Telengana SA) OPTIMIST BOYS

Khairulilzani Bin Mohd Afendy - MAS

Virat - IND (Trishna SC)

Krishna Venkitachalam - IND (RMYC) ILCA 4 GIRLS

Aastha Pandey - IND (NSS Bhopal)

Tulsi Patle - IND (NSS Bhopal)

Mahi Verma - IND (NSS Bhopal) ILCA 4 BOYS

Ankit Singh SIisodiya - IND (NSS Bhopal)

Peerkatla Manadeep - IND (Trishna SC)

Rahul Sarpjit Sonar - IND (Trishna SC) 420

Hriethik Amarjaiswal & Samanvi U - IND ( Trishna SC)

Aarti Verma & Aryan Harshyana - IND (CESC)

29er

Akash Mahesh Tangai & Krishna Diwakar - IND ( Trishna SC)

Pallara Govardhan & Ruben Narlekar - IND ( Trishna SC) iQFoil GIRLS

Mk Pragathi - IND (TNSA) iQFoil BOYS

Razaa Ahmed Khan - IND (YAI)