The Nagapattinam district administration is gearing up to launch sailing training at Nagapattinam harbor targeting children from fishing families.
Preparations are underway for the official launch ahead of Deputy Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s visit to the district on December 20, when he is scheduled to attend the birth centenary program of Nagore lyricist and singer EM Hanif in Nagore.
The initiative, headed by District Collector P. Akash, is aimed at strengthening sports development in the district. Sources in the district administration said that a warehouse in the port premises has been identified and is being renovated into a training centre, while courses for beginners are proposed at the port where the waters are calmer.
Captain Vivek Shanbhag, honorary secretary of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC), said that yachting is an eco-friendly sport and the coastal areas have a strong potential to produce competitive talent if children are introduced early.
The RMYC – founded in 1911 and headquartered in Chennai – plans to support the proposed Nagapattinam center by deputizing the coach and building local capacity. “We plan to identify and train about four local people, procure basic craft including a motorboat and a lifeboat and ensure that the holding is done on land. This can open up job avenues,” Mr. Shanbhag said.
He said the plan was to conduct weekly demonstrations and training initially with a small fleet while safety measures – including support vessels and rescue readiness – were put in place. “There are only about seven or eight yachting clubs. Going to nationals is relatively easier because the participation is lower. Children from fishing communities are naturally happy with the water, but their representation in competitive yachting is almost nil,” he said.
Mr. Shanbhag emphasized the need to break the perception of yachting as an elite sport. “Sailing is still seen as an upper-middle-class sport, but that perception needs to change,” he said, adding that the weather should not be a deterrent. “We play cricket under the midday sun – so the climate in Nagapattinam may not be a factor holding the kids back,” he said.
Water sports
In a parallel tourism-related initiative, water sports activities are proposed at Velankanni beach, sources said, with preparatory work planned along the beach stretch. Suggested activities include boat rides, kayaking, banana boating, jet skiing and windsurfing.
Mr Maria Roger Fernando, owner of Holy Island Water Sports, said he had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Velankanni Municipality and the district administration to start operations. “Initially, we appoint five to seven fishermen as a water sports team and train them,” he said.
Published – 15 Dec 2025 23:55 IST
