Krishnapatnam Port in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, is hosting the 9th edition of International Youth Sailing Competition of India from December 27th to December 31st 2017.
The event is the largest sailing competition in the country and is organised by the Navayuga Sailing Academy, Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA) and Yachting Association of Andhra Pradesh (YAAP) under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) and the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF).
The port is also holding YAI Senior and Youth National Championships from today till December 25, which will witness sailors from across India participating in the event.
Both competitions will attract over 400 sailors from India and other Asian nations.
In the first leg of the Asian Sailing Federation Youth Cup 2017-18, 150 sailors from across the world will be representing nine countries, including India.
The competition will feature the youth classes of boats, the Optimist, 29er and Laser 4.7 Laser Radial, 420 and the windsurfer class, RS1.
The Laser 4.7 is a hugely popular single-handed youth class which is a stepping stone to the Olympic classes Laser Standard and Radial. This year will see keen competition in this class as it is one of the classes being sailed in The Asian Games 2018.
Anil Yendluri, Director and CEO, KPCL, said, "We at Krishnapatnam Port are excited to host the 9th Indian International Regatta. We would like to conduct this to be a one of a kind experience. An event that will be remembered for many years to come. It would be a fantastic platform for us to showcase how India is opening up to novel sports like sailing and already winning laurels and accolades for the country."
"Sports like sailing helps build purposeful and meaningful relationships besides fitness, wellbeing and happiness amongst the sailing enthusiasts," he added.
International officials and jury have been appointed to ensure that the conduct of the event is scrupulously fair and efficient.
International race officer Mr. Ilker Byandir from Turkey is the Principal Race Officer for the event assisted by TNSA member and RYA race officer Mylai Prabhakar, while International Judge Mr. Chris Watts from the UK is the chair of the jury which will comprise of distinguished International Judges from India, Korea and Singapore.
For the first time, the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Krishnapatnam Port, is expected to provide the sailors with challenging conditions equal to any international sailing centre. The competition promises to be intense and exciting as all the participating countries have fielded their top sailors who have produced excellent performances in key international events.
Earlier eight editions of India International Regatta were held at Chennai.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)