CHENNAI: With many areas in the state knee-deep in water and residents struggling to come to terms with this phenomenon, it seems the only ones not affected by incessant downpour are sailors (and footballers). Forget about making hay while the sun shines, the current mantra is all about doing so when the rain belts down. It’s too bad cricketers can’t follow suit!
Fittingly, the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA), in collaboration with the Yachting Association of India (YAI), will host the 7th India International Regatta (IIR) from November 25 to 29 in the city. The U-21 event, allotted first-leg status in the Asian Sailing Federation Youth Cup since last year, will feature 16 countries and around 150 sailors in Optimist, 29er, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and 420 classes.
Although the stars of the club, Asian Games bronze medallists Varsha Gautham and Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan, have graduated to the 49erFX now and will not be part of the event, the twosome told Express they’d be around to help out. It might help lift their spirits after a poor outing at the 49er and 49FX World Championships in Buenos Aires, wherein they finished in penultimate spot. “It’s unfortunate there’s no 49er class in the IIR and downgrading to the 29er is obviously not an option. But we will be around for rescue support and stuff,” the duo said.
TNSA commodore Ashok Thakkar said the only impediment to sailors was the possible cloud cover that would prevent any wind to pick up. Conversely, if the winds reach 50kmph, they’ve to call the races off. “The rain isn’t going to pose a threat, but no wind equals no sailing. There are 12 races scheduled. Let’s see how many can be held,” he added.