Regatta, a shot in the arm for sailing aficionados

A boat, the sea, and a passionate crew — that’s all that is required for a successful regatta. Slather on some sunscreen, get a hat and sunglasses on, and you’re all set to go.

This was the scene on Sunday morning at the Springhaven Wharf in Chennai Harbour. Members of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) readied themselves to go racing on the final day of the Merchants and Professionals Regatta, which started on September 21. The fun part of the event was that it was not restricted to serious sailors; several parents and other guests too participated enthusiastically.

The group was also made up of a good number of school children who have recently taken up sailing. Trisha, a class eight student, has been sailing for exactly four days before participating in the regatta. After climbing gingerly into a dinghy, she says, “My younger sister started sailing, and I came with her once to try it out. I got hooked, and started classes as well.” She waves back reassuringly to her mother, who stands at the wharf with a worried look.

Samyukta, also in school, is a slightly more experienced hand — she has attended six classes. “I am very excited. Sailing isn’t difficult, it is actually quite easy and fun,” she says as she looks out for the boat she will be racing in. Once in the boat and out at sea, the children have no problems in executing figure-of-eight knots, and handle the jib sail with ease; one of them even was assisting this reporter who knew close to nothing about sailing.

Some of the parents accompanied their kids for the experience, like Atul Bhayani. “This was my third time sailing, and I still enjoy it. My 12-year-old daughter started classes a couple of months back. My wife wasn’t too keen on it once her little girl came home with a bad tan; my daughter insisted she continue,” he says, adding that it is a great sport and not as expensive to pursue as people perceive it to be.

“Most parents are also scared to send their children, as sailing is very rigorous. I feel they should encourage them to take up a good sports activity. It’s also good to see that the state government is showing an interest in boosting sailing,” says Atul.

From the same school of thought, one of the more seasoned sailors says, “I have been sailing as long as I can remember. After a long gap, I started sailing a couple of weekends ago. Although my son and daughter did not show much of an interest when they were younger, I’m happy that they have taken to it now.”