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Vizag ahoy!
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Rishikonda beach is all set to host the National Hobie Cat 16 regatta
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THE UNSPOILT sands of Rishikonda beach in Visakhapatnam, washed by the sun-warmed sea, will welcome sailors from across the country for the National Hobie Cat 16 regatta from May 2 to 6. Organised by the National Hobie Class Association, operating out of the Artillery Centre in Golconda, Hyderabad, this will be the first event of its kind in the country.
A catamaran, the Hobie Cat 16 is the most popular tourist boat in the world. It can be manned by two or more crewmembers, the 16-foot long twin hulls constructed quite apart from each other, giving it incredible stability. Should one try a trick or two by tilting the craft and sailing on one of its hulls, the speed increases dramatically. So that should be enough attraction for the truly adventurous.
Three sails--main, jib and spinnaker-- combine to make the canvas as large as that of the 470. Its safety is so well established that attempts at ocean crossings have been made on this light vessel. Twelve boats are already stationed at Visakhapatnam , with two more to be requisitioned from Mumbai.
The organisers are leaving nothing to chance, having zeroed in on this venue for being totally unaffected by the recent Tsunami. With safety being the watchword, they will furnish each sailor with study material that will teach them how to assemble and dismantle a boat. Personal and boat insurance will have to be taken out by all participants.
They would also be taught how to tune the craft for varied wind conditions, these being on the coast and much different from breeze patterns over land-locked lakes. An agent has been traced to Mumbai, who will take care of the repairs and ensure spares availability. Motorboats will patrol the waters, should there be capsizes or risks of drowning.
A waterproof camcorder is also to be procured to monitor the action and educate sailors on the dos and don'ts. Accommodation will be provided with a 30 per cent discount, courtesy AP Tourism, at the nearby Punnami resort. A total of nine races will be held with two discards permitted and the scoring will be on a low point system.
Three boat-handlers have been identified to spread the word on this boat, Kumar at the Royal Madras Yacht Club in Chennai, Taj Salam at Hyderabad and Melville at Visakhapatnam. To increase the relevance of this sporting event, the organisers propose to teach sailing this boat to members of the fishing community.
Come May and hulls will hit the water for some exciting action.
A JOSEPH ANTONY
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