the goan I network
PANAJI
Veteran greats of Indian sailing will be in action at the Goa Yachting Association’s ‘75 Knots Masters Regatta’ from October 11-13 at Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula.
The regatta is being held under the aegis of the Board Sailing Association of India (BSAI), and former National Champion windsurfers like Deepak Dikhit, Mark Butt, Derrick Menezes and Remy Fernandes will be seen in action. The ‘75 Knots Masters Regatta’ will be held in the sea off Cidade de Goa. The races can be viewed from Cidade de Goa or from Dona Paula Jetty.
The grand old man of Indian sailing, Adm. Manohar Awati, who was the driving force behind the Indian round-the-world sailing expeditions, will be there sailing. Gulshan Rai, one of the first Indians to sail around the world, will also be present.
Asian Games medallists and Arjuna awardees, who will sail include Surinder Mongia, Capt Soli Contractor and Capt. Homi Motiwala amongst others. All the sailors at this regatta are legends in their own right having won medals at various National and International sailing events in various classes.
Those who have spent decades coaching young sailors, like Cyrus Heerjee, Sheri Bamboat and Goa’s own Umaji Chowgule will also be seen in action.
All of them are coming to Cidade de Goa not just to test their sailing skills. The ‘75 Knots Masters Regatta’ is the Indian sailing community’s tribute to the five-decade contribution of César Menezes to sailing. César is President Emeritus of the Goa Yachting Association (GYA), and celebrates his 75th birthday this year.
Organised jointly by the Goa Yachting Association (GYA) and the BSAI, this All-India Masters Regatta will honour all the legends of Indian Sailing. It also marks the start of the sailing season in Goa. Races will be held in just two categories - four-seater Seabird yachts and windsurfing. No Sailor below the age of 45 years can participate.
More than 90 veteran sailors and windsurfers have already registered for the event. Manipal Hospital, which is located nearby, will render all necessary first aid and medical assistance if required.
