11-December, 2014 , New Delhi.The opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2014 was conducted at the picturesque Ettikulum Bay at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala on 10 Dec 14. It is a prestigious annual international sailing event. The Regatta will see trainees from seventeen international Naval Academies compete in sailing at the Ettikulum Bay on Laser (Radial) class sail-boats , with participation of teams from the Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Fiji, Germany, Mauritius, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, USA, United Kingdom, apart from India. The event, was inaugurated by Rear Admiral MD Suresh, Deputy Commandant, INA in an impressive ceremony. Special invitees and senior naval officers were present on the occasion, in addition to participants and their country coaches/officials.
The Indian Navy instituted the ‘Admiral’s Cup Regatta’ as a ‘Fleet Race’ in a single crew Olympic class ‘Laser-Radial’ sail boat in 2010. Naval academies of friendly foreign countries across the world were invited to participate in the event. Admiral’s Cup Regatta 2013, saw participation from thirteen foreign Naval Academies, whilst this year the INA has already received confirmations from seventeen countries viz., Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Fiji, Germany, Mauritius, Oman, Saudi Arabia, SouthAfrica, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, USA, United Kingdom, in addition to India. The participating teams will be competing in nine races spread over three days with each country being represented by two boats. The coveted ‘Admiral’s Cup’ would be awarded to the best team winning the championship on the basis of their combined performance. In addition, individual medals will also be awarded. The Admiral’s Cup Regatta 2013 was won by United Arab Emirates.
The Regatta is being sailed under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association and conducted by the Marakkar Waterman-ship Training Centre, INA. The races, in Laser (Radial) class sailing boats, have been scheduled over three days commencing from 11 December. The course laid out is in keeping with the international standards. The event has become very popular since its inception in 2010. A total of 36 participants including three lady participants from Australia and Germany will fiercely compete for the coveted ‘Admiral’s Cup’.
The ‘Admiral’s Cup’ would be awarded to the best team winning the championship on the basis of their combined performance. In addition, individual medals will also be awarded in the men’s and women’s category. The Closing Ceremony of the event, along with the prize distribution, is scheduled on 13 December. This year’s regatta is expected to be more exciting and challenging with the first time participation from countries like China, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and USA. Local schools, colleges and NCC cadets have been invited to witness the event. On the side-lines of the Admiral’s Cup, at the venue, a kids zone, beach volleyball facility, 3-hole golf course, merchandising shop and refreshment counter, etc., have also been setup for the spectators.
