The Nagapattinam district administration is preparing to launch a sailing training inside the Nagapattinam port aimed at children from families of fishermen.
Preparations are on for an official launch ahead of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s visit to the district on December 20 when he is scheduled to attend the birth centenary year programme of lyricist–singer Nagore E.M. Hanifa in Nagore.
The initiative, spearheaded by District Collector P. Akash, is aimed at strengthening sports development in the district. Sources in the district administration said a warehouse within the port premises had been identified and is being renovated into a training centre, with beginner sessions proposed within the harbour where waters are calmer.
Captain Vivek Shanbhag, honorary secretary of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC), said sailing was an eco-friendly sport and coastal districts had strong potential to produce competitive talent if children were introduced early.
The RMYC — founded in 1911 and based in Chennai — plans to support the proposed Nagapattinam centre by deputing a coach and building local capacity. “We plan to identify and train about four local people, procure basic craft including a motor boat, a rescue boat, and ensure the handholding is done on the ground. This can open up job avenues,” Mr. Shanbhag said.
He said the plan was to conduct weekly demonstration and training sessions initially with a small fleet while safety arrangements — including support craft and rescue preparedness — were put in place. “There are only about seven or eight sailing clubs. Going to nationals is comparatively easier because participation is lower. Children from fishing communities are naturally comfortable with the water, but their representation in competitive sailing is close to zero,” he said.
Mr. Shanbhag underlined the need to break the perception of sailing as an elite sport. “Sailing is still seen as an upper middle class sport but that perception must change,” he said and added that weather should not be a deterrent. “We play cricket under the midday sun — so climate in Nagapattinam need not be a factor to hold children back,” he said.
Water sports
In a parallel tourism-linked initiative, water sports activities are proposed at Velankanni beach, sources said, with preparatory work planned along the beach stretch. Proposed activities include boat rides, kayaking, banana rides, jet ski, and wind surfing.
M. Maria Roger Fernando, proprietor of Holy Island Water Sports, said he had signed an MoU with the Velankanni municipality and the district administration to begin operations. “We will initially appoint five to seven fisherfolk as a water sports team and train them,” he said.
Published – December 15, 2025 11:55 pm IST
