At the SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008, one of the biggest sailing events in the country which sees over 130 boats taking to the water, the vessels vied for attention with all of that rich man’s glamour on display.
Mumbai’s jet set take to the waters as the Navy Cup Regatta gives them a chance to shimmerMUMBAI: We call it the rich man’s sport, sailing. On Saturday one got the glimpse why. At the SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008, one of the biggest sailing events in the country which sees over 130 boats taking to the water, the vessels vied for attention with all of that rich man’s glamour on display.
Business barons (Anand Mahindra was present) were checking out the beauties (inanimate ones), a fashion show told of the right dress code when on a boat, air-brushed divas fluttered their eyelashes with Gucci shades holding back their perfectly ironed hair. These accessory laden wannabes were all outdone by the lady who could just not stand to leave her precious doggy behind for the day.
In between there was a competition in twelve classes. Most participants were Naval men or enthusiasts whose love for the sea is aided by the fat cheque books. in their suitcases.
The feature event involved the J-24 and A Class with national champion R Mahesh and internationals Nitin Mongia, N Sharma, R Dhulaji and Rahul lifting the title. This lot even took part in the Olympic qualifiers held in Melbourne in January this year but missed out on a berth in Beijing.
“We wanted to compete in the Star Class but had to switch to Fin because we were not financially supported. The transition at a late stage meant, we didn’t have enough practice before the qualifier,” said Mongia, who won the J-24 Class event with R Mahesh.
Mongia, however, believes sailing is catching on in India. That is the crux of organising this sailing event, which is a precursor to the boat-show to be held in the city from February 28th.
Manufacturers of luxury yachts on show are targeting the big spenders who want to own such vessels for recreation and occasionally take them out to the sea for a little race with their cigar smoking friends.
Results: A Class: H Motivala, A Arvind, SS Yadav, Pradhan, R Behl, M Pal; J-24 Class: R Mahesh, N Mongia, N Sharma, R Dhulaji, Rahul
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