National Coastal Optimist meet in Chennai

CHENNAI, MAY 23. The city may be going through the worst heat wave in recent years, but there is still scope for hosting a National championship here, out in the sea. The Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) is all set to conduct the National Coastal Optimist championship, an event for the under-16, along the eastern breakwater just outside the Chennai harbour, from May 24 to 27.

Briefing presspersons, Mr. Kuruvilla Abraham, committee member, said 39 sailors from all over the country would take part in the competition and explained the salient features of the Optimist class.

`Optimist' is a sail boat designed specifically for children and serves as a trainer boat, helping youngsters to become competitive sailors. It is the only dinghy approved by the International Sailing Federation. Even seven or eight-year-old can take part.

The reason for the good number of entries is that the championship has been made the trials to select the Indian team for the World championship in China and Asian Regatta in Korea.

The maximum number of entries are from Mumbai clubs. The Sea Cadet Corps Sailing Association, Mumbai will alone be fielding eight sailers, followed by Goa Yachting Association with seven participants. The RMYC has entered a four-member team-Rohini Rao, Rohit Ashok, Abhimanyu Nityanand and Deepak Rex.

The championship is being conducted with the help of the Chennai Port Trust, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. There will be three races every day.

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Section  : Sport
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