Indian Naval Academy hosts Admiral's Cup Regatta-2014 in Kerala

The Indian Naval Academy is hosting the fifth edition of the Admiral's Cup Regatta, a prestigious annual international sailing event, off the Ettikulum Bay, in North Kerala's Kannur District from December 8 to 14.

The regatta will see trainees from seventeen international naval academies compete in sailing at the Ettikulum Bay on Laser (Radial) class sail-boats.

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.

The 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, South Africa, 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 teams will be provided two days for practice racing on December 9 and 10, followed by the opening ceremony for the event on the evening of December 10.

The racing days from December 11 onwards will be followed with a closing ceremony on December 13.

China, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and USA are participating in the event for the first time.