Upamanyu Dutta-Hussain Arsiwala claim Junior 420 National Championships in Chennai

The talented duo have just graduated from the single hander Optimist class of boats and this was their first event in the 420 class,a two-man trapeze boat. The pair would soon be testing their boats for the first time as partners in the international waters in the forthcoming Youth World Championships in Ireland,in June,followed by the 420 World Championships in Austria in July.

Currently,the team from the Bombay Royal Yacht Club is being mentored by seasoned sailor and multiple medallist Farokh Tarapore. The former world champion in the 420 class says the boys have a lot of potential. “They have the ideal body weight and the height required for the 420 class but it all depends on how they perform in the coming years,” he says. Tarapore,though,is quick to add that India needs to build more of such teams to increase the local competition in its bid to win the Asian medal.

For Upamanyu,taking up sailing was not a hard choice though. Upamanyu is a third generation sailor from his family as both,his father and grandfather had been sailors. Upamanyu’s father,Gautam Dutta has successfully represented India in the Asian Games,winning a gold medal in the sailing event. Upamanyu,himself,has been the champion of the Monsoon Regatta Championship for the past three years in succession. Hussain,though,learnt his sailing in Hong Kong before pairing up with Upamanyu.

Gautam Dutta says,”There are eight to ten tournaments as a precursor to the Asian Games. They should perform well in these tournaments.”

While Upamanyu is studying for his Class 10 from the Bombay International School,Hussain,studying in the same year,is a student of BD Somani International School. Both have picked up sailing as their sport since the age of 10. Not surprising,considering both their fathers had fair exposure to sailing and had participated in sailing competitions at various levels in the past.

On being quizzed about their preparation for the International tournaments,Upamanyu says,”We practice on weekends and during the familiar climatic conditions. The water over in India is a bit warmer and there is less wind in comparison to the Western climates. It’s all about adapting to the climates and setting your sail accordingly.”