Maiden ocean sailing race to kick start tomorrow in Mumbai

The maiden ocean sailing race, organised by the Western Naval Command as part of its golden jubilee will kick start tomorrow in Mumbai.

According to a press release, the two-day race will be flagged off by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the morning of December 1, from the Gateway of India and Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

"This is the first time that such a race is being conducted off Mumbai. Seven yachts are expected to take part in this overnight race," the press release stated.

Yachts from the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Bombay Merchant's Club, and the Western Naval Command will be participating in the race.

The Ocean Sailing Race will be sailed over 85 nautical miles in the open sea. "Participating yachts are larger than 7.5 meters in length with a fixed keel, and will race non-stop overnight," read the press release.

This is the first time that an 'Offshore Race' has been formally organised for larger boats. Round One of the race will mark off from Murud Janjira followed by another mark 20 miles into the sea before sailing back to Mumbai. The yachts will have to navigate through commercial shipping and fishing traffic whilst racing against their counterparts.

The race celebrates Mumbai's strong maritime heritage and also aims to enhance Mumbaikars' connect with the seas.

"INSV Bulbul will represent Western Naval Command in the maiden ocean sailing race 01-02 Dec 18," the spokesperson of Indian Navy tweeted.

The Western Naval Command has, since its inception, been the backbone for promoting yachting events at the national level as well as at Mumbai and with the Golden Jubilee Ocean Sailing Race, the Command plans to lay the foundation for Big Boat racing in India.