Strong Winds Ignite Thrilling Start to India International Youth Sailing Championship in Chennai – 11th India International Regatta
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Chennai, January 6, 2026:
The waters off Chennai Port came alive on Tuesday as the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta launched into full competitive mode, delivering a spectacular opening day of racing that tested both skill and endurance.
With consistent winds averaging close to 18 knots, race officials were able to complete three full races across all classes, giving sailors an early opportunity to stake their claim in one of Asia’s most prestigious youth sailing competitions.
The conditions were near perfect for the Optimist, ILCA 4 and 420 classes, while the high-speed 29er skiff and the technologically advanced iQFOiL foiling class demanded sharp concentration and physical strength. Chennai’s trademark choppy waters, peppered with white horses, added a dramatic edge to the action, forcing sailors to stay alert on every leg of the course.
Race officials were particularly pleased with the wind direction, which held steadily between 45 and 50 degrees throughout the day. This consistency meant there was no need for course adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted racing and a smooth experience for competitors and coaches alike.
Young Sailors Rise to the Challenge – India International Youth Sailing Championship
For many of the younger sailors, Day 1 marked their first experience at a large-scale international regatta. Despite the demanding conditions, the majority rose admirably to the challenge, demonstrating composure well beyond their years.
The ILCA 4 class, an Asian Games discipline, proved to be one of the most competitive fleets of the day, with a tight battle emerging for the podium spots. The depth of talent on display underlined the growing popularity of sailing across India and Asia.
After nearly five hours on the water, sailors returned ashore physically drained but visibly satisfied. Coaches described the conditions as “fabulous,” noting that exposure to such winds early in the championship would help young athletes grow rapidly in confidence and technical ability.
Provisional Leaders After Day 1 – India International Youth Sailing Championship
The provisional standings reflected a mix of Indian dominance and strong international competition:
- Optimist Girls: Shringhari Roy (India) led the fleet, followed by Ireland’s Philippa Aisling Cox Arthurs and Telangana’s Rameeza Bhanu.
- Optimist Boys: Malaysia’s Khairulilzani Bin Mohd Afendy took the top spot, ahead of India’s Virat and Krishna Venkitachalam.
- ILCA 4 Girls: Indian sailors swept the podium with Aastha Pandey, Tulsi Patle and Mahi Verma.
- ILCA 4 Boys: Ankit Singh Sisodiya emerged on top, followed by Peerkatla Manadeep and Rahul Sarpjit Sonar.
- 420 Class: Hriethik Amarjaiswal & Samanvi U led the fleet, ahead of Aarti Verma & Aryan Harshyana.
- 29er Class: Akash Mahesh Tangai & Krishna Diwakar took early honours.
- iQFOiL Girls: Mk Pragathi impressed in the foiling class.
- iQFOiL Boys: Razaa Ahmed Khan set the pace.
National Spotlight Ahead – India International Youth Sailing Championship
A major highlight of the regatta is scheduled for 8 January, when Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will officially flag off the races. His presence underscores the growing national importance of the event and its role in India’s broader maritime vision under Amrit Kaal 2047.
The championship continues to attract elite youth sailors from countries such as Ireland, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, Malaysia, Seychelles and Sri Lanka, alongside a strong Indian contingent, reinforcing Chennai’s emergence as a global hub for water sports.
All races are being streamed live on the official YouTube channels of the India International Regatta and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, allowing fans worldwide to witness the rise of sailing’s next generation.
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