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The beckoning blue
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The whistling wind and the salty spray beckon Chennai-ites to take to sailing, says GEETA PADMANABHAN
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ALL IS not well with the harbour inlet today. One of those menacing iron hulks masquerading as ships has quietly opened its sludge pipe. The water looks slick and shiny, and the rubbish refuses to be washed away. But it will take more than a slippery jetty to keep the members of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) and the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA) from rigging their vessels. Boatloads of kids are here harbouring visions of conquering the sea.
What is it about sailing? The simple concept — the mast determines motion. Once you push the boat and jump in, you're in total control. "No fuel, no whipping horses, no breaking people. It's incredible relaxation. You are one with the elements and you don't pollute," says Navaz, a buff. And when there is no wind? "That's when the challenge comes in." Safety? "Total. Anyone between seven and seventy can sail. We have young members (the youngest is a petite seven) whose parents saw a sea only in maps."
Zephra is no longer scared of the things an eight-year-old is. For Sabari, a teacher with the American International School, sailing's fun in the sun. For Ganapathi (9), it's the freedom to jump into the water for a capsize routine.
For more than a 100 years amateur sailing has been a regular feature of Springhaven Wharf, named after Sir Francis Spring, who built the harbour when the British Government was busy shifting the capital to Delhi. He founded and gave a berth to the Madras Sailing Club, later Madras Yachting Club after it went "Royal" in 1926. It elected I. M. Krishnan as its first Indian commodore (president) in 1966 and he with Claudius, P.R. Dutta and the Rikhye family kept its sails unfurled. Niloufer Jamal, Rohini Rau, Sandeep Srikanth and Rohit Ashok are all celebrities of these waters.
"The RMYC remains a symbol of the heritage and glory of sailing," says Jayraj Rau. "It brought sailing to the city. International sailors have swapped stories here. Its office-bearers grew up on its wooden waterwag. While its veteran sailors keep its international connections alive, the RMYC trains young ones to steady their feet in water." This core organisation, however, continues to maintain its imperial status charging many thousands as annual membership.
In 2002, a member group of hardy sailors seeking a wider horizon for the club's activities, formed the TNSA. The governing council that reads like announcements at a Navy Ball, has Commodores R.S. Vasan, T. Hari, P.P. Singh and Ramesh Lulla and vice-commodore Ashok Thakkar keeping a benign watch. Dr. Mushtaq Ali a.k.a Doc, secretary, organises the events and the newsletter. Munna Jamal takes the kids out to the waters. P. Baskardoss, chairman, Port Trust and Susan Mathews, secretary for sports, wave in their support.
"The TNSA focusses on tapping and training talent in the 8-12 age group," says Jayraj Rau. "We want to compete at district, state and national levels. The dream is to get accreditation from the Olympic Association. We follow the rulebook strictly to be eligible. We want to work closely with government sports bodies."
The TNSA has a world class fleet and encourages ownership. But on a continuous basis, sails and other rigging need replacement. Says Doc, "Also, fleet expansion will cost money considering our (not joking at all) impecunious status." With a new committee steering Chennai's sailing fortunes, the RMYC and the TNSA will tie up to promote seafaring. Munna Jamal is Captain of Boats in both places. Many in the TNSA committee are members of the RMYC. Jayraj is vice-commodore at the Royal. "It augurs well for the 120-year tradition," says he. "There is exchange of ideas and healthy competition. Every Sunday afternoon when the captain hoots the whistle, boats from both sides race on to exchange strategy. Munna has a wider group to choose from for regattas. This is bound to harness our energies and strengthen our common goals." Adds Doc, "Today we are in a much happier state as the RYMC is more benignly inclined towards the existence of the TNSA." Members also hope the 35-year-old lease of the club annexe would be renewed for smoother sailing.
What can we do for a sport that takes our feet off the ground?
Corporates can pitch in. If they love cross wind and canvas, facts like an Enterprise costs over a lakh, 420 costs Rs. 2.5 lakhs, etc., should not stop them from signing cheques. The grateful beauties will be happy to carry their logos on hulls and sails. Others could endorse the Optimist class. This little boat will put one back by only 55K including sails, rudder and fittings. Philanthropists could underwrite boat charter and expenses of those chosen for national meets. Or reimburse the costs of those who shine in national events.
You and I could join the rolls as "fraternal" members to be cheer leaders. We'll get invited to an evening by the water, a "nite" under the stars or to a starlit cruise around the port. You could be a student member — just bring in your commitment. Hey, take up sailing for a nominal monthly subscription. If you rig up six times a year, you can even vote to elect office bearers. Broadbase your support, and who knows, sailing could come to your favourite beach in the city.
"Our goal is to bring children from fishing communities and train them. They'll be naturals for national events. We'd also like to invite girls and women to take up sailing and compete nationally."
Want to enjoy the whistling wind and the salty spray? Sign up today. Carry a bagful of attitude — the never-say-die kind. (A cap helps.) Understand your boat and strategise your navigation. It's harbour calling!
To smell the salt, call 2538 2253 or 2476 4625.
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Metro Plus
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Visakhapatnam
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