After a fiercely contested battle for becoming the national champion, the Yachting Association of India (YAI) Senior National Championship 2024 concluded with four Medal Races conducted on 18 May to decide the winners. Held from 12-18 May at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC) in Mumbai. The event offered challenging conditions, with winds reaching up to 20 knots adding to the excitement of the competitors.
Organized under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) and the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), the championship featured all eight Olympic classes of boats, including iQFoil (men and women foiling windsurf), NACRA 17 (mixed foiling catamaran), ILCA 7 (men single-handed dinghy), ILCA 6 (women single-handed dinghy), 470 (mixed dinghy), 49er (men skiff), 49erFX (women skiff), and Formula Kite (men and women kitesurfing) classes.
82 participants from 10 sailing clubs across the country, fiercely competed in a total of 94 races including 04 medal races conducted over six days to win the title of the National Champion of sailing in the country.
A team of race officials, including World Sailing International Race Officers and International Judges from Australia, Singapore and South Korea, together with expert Measurers, ensured an even playing field and fair opportunity for all competitors. The event not only showcased the competitive spirit of the sailors but also highlighted the superior standards upheld by the organizers.
Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, WNC presided over the closing ceremony held on 18 May 24 at INWTC (Mumbai) and presented medals to the winners. He also encouraged the young sailors to continue their journey while following the mantra of Josh, Hosh and Nipunta to excel and endeavour to win medals for the country at international sailing events.
