The SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta (IIR) were formally inaugurated this evening at the Timber Pond, Chennai Port, marking the ceremonial commencement of one of India’s premier international sailing events.
The championship is being hosted by the TamilNadu Sailing Association (TNSA) with the support of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and brings together sailors from India and several countries across Asia and Europe for a week of high-quality competitive sailing.
The inauguration began with a warm welcome to dignitaries and participants, followed by the Welcome Address by Thiru J. Meghanath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of TamilNadu, who highlighted TamilNadu’s sustained commitment to build a strong sporting ecosystem and nurturing talent through world-class events and infrastructure.
A Special Address was delivered by Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, NM, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu Area, who under-scored the Indian Navy’s long-standing association with sailing and its role in fostering discipline, seamanship, and leadership among young sailors.
A key highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association and the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Chennai. The MoU formalises a collaborative partnership aimed at strengthening sailing in Chennai and Tamil Nadu through shared access to facilities, training excellence, and long-term capacity building. The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, NM, Flag Officer TamilNadu Area, and Mr Ashok Thakkar, Vice President, TamilNadu Sailing Association.
Addressing the gathering thereafter, ShriS.Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, spoke on the Port’s historic and continuing relationship with maritime sport and its support for initiatives that connect youth engagement with India’s maritime heritage.
Satyabrata Sahoo, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of TamilNadu, Youth Welfare & Sports Department, emphasised the importance of international exposure, institutional partnerships, and sustained investment in sport to produce future champions.
The event was formally declared open by Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), who highlighted the shared values of discipline, preparedness, and respect for the sea that bind sailing sport with India’s maritime services.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Ashok Thakkar, Chairman, Organising Committee, Vice President, TNSA and YAI, who acknowledged the support of SDAT, the Indian Coast Guard, Chennai Port Authority, Indian Navy, sponsors, officials, volunteers, and participating sailors.
Following the flag-off by Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, the Race Committee conducted the official practice race, giving sailors and officials an opportunity to test conditions. Winds averaged 12 knots, gusting up to 15 knots, presenting the fleet with typically demanding Chennai conditions. Despite the challenging seas, nearly 90 percent of the fleet successfully sailed, underscoring both the preparedness of the sailors and the competitive character of the venue.
Each class recorded an average race duration of approximately 45 minutes. While many experienced sailors relished the conditions that make Chennai both challenging and exciting, some younger sailors, many competing here for the first time, were seen returning a shore to huddle with their coaches, discussing strategies and techniques for handling the swell and current.
Racing for the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta (IIR) will continue over the coming days, with sailors competing across classes in Chennai’s challenging and dynamic sea conditions.
All races will be streamed LIVE globally on the official YouTube channels:
India International Regatta (@IndiaInternationalRegatta)
(https://www.youtube.com/@IndiaInternationalRegatta)
Sports Development Authority of TamilNadu (@SportsTamilNadu)
