Eleven countries to compete in Volvo Regatta

Eleven countries besides India would be competing for honours in the Volvo India International Regatta to be held for the first time in Chennai waters in the Bay of Bengal from Nov 1 to 8.

Ashok Thakkar, Commodore Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, told reporters here that the event was being held here to promote the sport and also to promote conservation and preservation of the environment, "as this is a clean sport played using only wind and water".

"Some sailors have been going abroad to train and participate in events, but now we will be having international coaches coming here to prepare Indian sailors for this prestigious event. Coaches from Singapore and Australia will be in Chennai putting the Indian sailors through a rigorous training programme from Oct 20", Thakkar said.

Commander Ayay Narang, Honorary Joint secretary general of Yachting Association of India assured all support from the Natonal Federation. Also present during the launch was Commander Ashok Subrmaniam, chief staff officer to the Naval officer in charge, Tamil Nadu.

Akash Passey, managing director of Volvo Buses India Pvt Ltd, the principal sponsoring company, said, "Today we are synonymous with the most gruelling race in the world, the Volvo Ocean Race, which we have been holding for more than 20 years. Last year they made the first stop in India. This event is going to be an annual feature in Chennai from now on," he added.