Gusty Winds and Shifting Leaderboards Define Day 2 at the 11th India International Regatta

Gusty Winds and Shifting Leaderboards Define Day 2 at the 11th India International Regatta Day 2 of racing at the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta proved even more demanding, as three races were once again successfully completed across all classes under strong and increasingly gusty conditions off the Chennai coast.

Winds remained brisk throughout the day, gusting up to 20 knots, a noticeable increase from Day 1. Race officials attributed the conditions to upper-air circulation off the coast, influenced by the predicted heavy rainfall system over Sri Lanka from 9th January. While challenging, the conditions remained raceable and delivered an intense and physical day of sailing. Unlike the relatively stable opening day, Day 2 saw numerous capsizes and retirements, particularly among less well-honed sailors from India and overseas, as crews were pushed to their limits by the gusts and choppy sea state. The demanding conditions tested fitness, boat handling, and tactical decision-making across fleets.

Aggression at the start line also increased as sailors, now more accustomed to Chennai’s conditions, pushed harder to improve their standings. This resulted in three boats being penalised for false starts across the Optimist and ILCA 4 classes, a combination of stronger winds and heightened competitive intensity as the regatta settled into rhythm. The tougher day on the water brought significant changes to the leaderboards. In the Optimist Boys category, Indian sailor Krishna of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) moved into the lead, replacing the Malaysian sailor who had topped the standings after Day 1. In the Optimist Girls fleet, Irish sailors now occupy second and third positions, reflecting a closely fought and internationally competitive field.

The ILCA 4 Boys category also saw shifts at the top of the standings; however, the changes played out within the Indian contingent, with local sailors successfully holding off challenges from foreign competitors in one of the regatta’s most competitive classes. With two demanding days completed, sailors and race officials returned ashore after another long and physically taxing session on the water, fully aware that Chennai’s conditions reward consistency, resilience, and smart risk management. As the regatta progresses, the combination of strong winds, international competition, and evolving strategies continues to deliver high-quality racing.

Racing at the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta continues tomorrow, with further strong conditions expected and with the first discard kicking in, things are getting super interesting!

PROVISIONAL RESULTS – RACE DAY 2
OPTIMIST GIRLS
1. Shringhari Roy – IND (SSC)
2. Philippa Aisling Cox Arthurs – IRL (Royal St George Yacht Club / LDYC)
3. Lilly Sheridan – IRL (Royal Cork Yacht Club/Waterford Harbour)

OPTIMIST BOYS
1. Krishna Venkitachalam – IND (RMYC)
2. Khairulilzani Bin Mohd Afendy – MAS
3. Ravi Kumar Benneollu – IND (Telangana Sailing Association)

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