Sailing extravaganza gets under way today

Many top teams from the Asian Region which include Thailand, Pakistan, Bahrain and others are participating in this event sponsored by West Coast Marine Services and conducted by the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre Mumbai under the aegis of Yachting Association Of India and Match Racing Association Of India.

The Indian challenge is spearheaded by Arjuna awardee Cdr R Mahesh who is rated among the top 50 in the International Sailing Federation Match Racing rankings. Other Indians in fray are Arjuna awardee, Olympian and two-time world champion Farokh Tarapore, Arjuna awardee and Asian Games medalist Aashim Mongia, Arjuna awardee Nitin Mongia who is also multiple Asian Games and World Championsip medalist.

With women8217;s match racing competiton now included in the Olympics from upcoming London Games in 2012, two Indian women8217;s teams will also be seen in action led by Pallavi Naik and Ayesha Lobo.