Chennai: Young sailors from fishing communities in Nagapattinam created history at the FOTNA Sailing Cup 2026, clinching the Optimist Green Fleet Trophy after barely two months of training.The two-day regatta, organised by the Indian Navy and Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) on Sept 19 and 20, brought together around 80 sailors competing across six classes of boats.Sailors from the Nagapattinam Yacht Club, which is being promoted and supported by RMYC, emerged winners in the Optimist Green Fleet. In the Optimist Main Fleet, sailors supported by Chennai Port and Cholamandalam Finance performed strongly, while Krishna of RMYC, an international gold medallist, demonstrated his experience at the front of the fleet.In the J/80 class, the Indian Navy and Royal Madras Yacht Club finished with an equal series score of 12 points each. The final placing was determined in accordance with the tie-break provisions specified in the applicable sailing regulations, with RMYC securing first position and the Indian Navy finishing a close second.Indian Navy stood first in Enterprise class of race and second in the Omega and ILCA 6 classes of races. Open Skiff also witnessed closely fought races.Capt. Vivek Shanbhag, Honorary Secretary, RMYC, said the Club has been training underprivileged youngsters for the past 18 months, with several already winning competitions and gaining valuable exposure at the India International Regatta 2026.Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, VSM, FOTNA, presented the medals and trophies and congratulated the sailors and club staff for conducting a safe and successful event.
