MUMBAI: Ever watched sailboats out in the faraway sea? Like models elegantly floating in vibrant colours to the music of the ripples. They look so effortless and tranquil.
But go back stage during a show and you realise the hard work put into it.
Likewise, get on a sailboat and realise what hard work it is to manoeuvre your vessel when you are at the mercy of the wind.
The craft and skill of India top sailors, who will provide the visual delight and compete for top honours, will be on display when the Nautica SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008 sets sail in the Arabian Sea on February 23.
Over 300 participants, from the age group of 6 to 60, will take part in the event, touted as the largest boat race in the history of the country.
The crème of the country’s sailing community will feature in the event, which will be a precursor to the Samira International Boat Show to be held in Mumbai from February 28 to March 2. Many of the sailors are medal winners at Asian Games. There are even some Olympians.
Some of the top names include Dr Malav Shroff (Olympian and ex-World Albacore class champion), A Ved (ex-World Cadet Class champion), Asian Games medallists R Mahesh, R Choudhary, N Mongia, S Chauhan, G Yadav, R Dhullaji and A Mongia.
The clubs participating are Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Army Yachting Node, Bombay Sailing Association, Colaba Sailing Club, Royal Bombay Yacht Club and Sea Cadet — Sailing.
