Goa finished with a tally of five medals, with sailors representing the State picking them up at the end of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) National Kite Boarding and Windsurfing Championship.
The event was organised by Premier Kite Boarding Association (PKA) and Board Sailing Association of India (BSAI) from Montego Bay at Vithaldas Vaddo in Morjim.
As the organisational footprint of PKA is camaraderie whilst sailing, the 5-day event saw 47 participants from five states and four countries – Germany, Russia, France and Italy – make the best of the winds.
“I want to encourage sailing in my constituency, and will provide all assistance to host further events. This event will not only encourage the youth but help businesses around,” said MLA, Jit Arolkar, during an engaging interaction with Derrick Menezes, the first sailor from Goa to gain international recognition for the State, and the brain behind the event.
Goa, represented by sailors from other states, finished with five medals – two gold, one silver and two bronze, whilst Tamil Nadu finished second with a tally of four medals – three gold and one silver.
Madhya Pradesh surprised many with a haul of three medals (one gold, one silver and one bronze) and Odisha also finished with three medals (two gold and one bronze)
Maharashtra finished with two medals (one gold and one silver) and the four foreigners shared four medals amongst themselves (one gold, two silver and one bronze).
The first three days of the competition saw the sailors being stretched to their maximum with the winds at their best. The story did not repeat on the last two days, but what was missed on sea was manifested through sharing of ideas and techniques by the participants.
“I need to thank Derrick in a special way because when the Goa Yachting Association (GYA) refused to conduct the event, he took on the onus, and you can see the josh, the flawless manner in which the championship was conducted,” said Captain Jitendra Dixit, as he observed the sailors.
“Since our best sailors have been sent abroad by the government to gain exposure for the forthcoming Olympics, the standard may not have been high, but it gave the youngsters a chance to showcase their talent,” added Dixit.
Ten-year-old Naavya Kaku, from Maharashtra, was the youngest participant and finished with gold, and 18-year-old Sachin Ganesh was the find of the championship after winning gold in IQ Foil, the event where India qualified to participate in the Olympics.
“This win is going to take time to sink in, though I must admit that I am extremely happy for having stood first amongst the seniors. My aim is to, one day, represent my country at the Olympics,” said Ganesh.
Any sailing event in Goa always has the presence of Cesar Menezes, and his wife Mimi, at the beginning and the conclusion, and the two saw to it that everyone was at home – enjoying the coolness of their presence despite the heat outside.
“The waters relax Cesar, and that is why, wherever the competition is held, he makes it a point to be present. It is his dream to see the sport grow,” whispers Mimi as the master of ceremonies announces the last prize.
“We are pleased to bring on record the lifetime dedication of an award-winning sailor and national champion, Derrick Menezes, whose futuristic vision for yachting in the country always strives to drive the sport with the Olympic levels in sight,” said Cesar.
“In recognition thereof, one Seabird Class boat is gifted to him, in personal gratitude for his continued support to me in all endeavours to promote the sport of yachting across four decades,” he added.
The Seabird Class boat was Cesar Menezes’ gift to Derrick. He had donated two Seabirds to GYA during their 50th year celebration, and one more to Board Sailing Association of India (BSAI).
As the sun set on the prize distribution ceremony, all stood in gratitude to Cesar, to Derrick and Anil Madgavkar – the trio that breathes life into the sport in Goa.
