To celebrate 100 years of joyous sailing, the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) is hosting multi class National Championships alongside a string of other exciting events as part of its centenary regatta. The RMYC was founded in 1911 by the then Chairman of the Madras Port Trust Sir Francis Spring. The Club has had the distinction of producing National level sailors, champions and international sailors. Currently, four of the national squad are from the Chennai Club including Zephra Currimbhoy and Master Vir Menon. All four of these expert sailors have been selected as a part of the Indian Contingent in preparation of the Asian Games 2010 at China.
With The RMYC and the The Royal Bombay Yacht Club as the only clubs to celebrate 100 years of sailing the event is extremely important for the city and its sailing heritage. The RMYC will celebrate by organising a eagerly anticipated national competition in the 470 category of boat, an Olympic Class vessel sailed by 2 people and the 420 category, a smaller less complex version of the 470.
The regatta’s opening ceremony took place on Saturday, May 15 after the offshore race with a stunning cocktail dinner and fashion show at the amid the achingly glamorous surroundings of Rhapsody, at Courtyard Marriot. The offshore Race took place from Ennore to Chennai port and was started by Chairman cum Managing Director S Velumani in the presence of Capt. DK Mohanty and other senior Ennore and Chennai Port officials early in the morning. Ennore was chosen due to its significance to Chennai’s sailing roots, considering it was the location where sailing first started over 300 years ago. With a centenary race involving 100 boats, a national championship race and a dazzling closing ceremony at the Taj Coramandel, the event looks to be the jewel in the crown in Chennai’s social calendar this year.