CHENNAI: Around 80 sailors from the Armed Forces and civilian sailing community came together at the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) on Saturday for the FOTNA Sailing Cup 2026, an annual competition that brings together sailors from across the two communities and promotes sailing among young people.Instituted in 2018, the event has grown into a platform for sailors to compete and share their experience and interest in the sport.Speaking at the event, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA) Rear Admiral Upal Kundu VSM, said, “Sailing reflected the Navy’s long-standing relationship with the sea, the sport helped develop discipline, judgement, teamwork, confidence and respect for nature.”Quoting the saying “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” Kundu encouraged young sailors to carry the lessons learnt at sea into their lives and face challenges with courage and perseverance. He appealed to the participants to encourage more young people to take up sailing and said those who find their calling at sea could consider a career with the Navy.During the event, the Navy highlighted INSV Kaundinya, its traditionally constructed stitched sailing vessel. The vessel is made using wood and coconut coir rope, sealed with natural resins and without metal fastenings. Based on ancient Indian shipbuilding technology, Kaundinya completed its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Muscat and back.The Navy highlighted the Navy Youth Sports Company, set up jointly by the Indian Navy and the Sports Authority of India at INS Mandovi, Goa, in 2017. The programme identifies promising young sailors and provides them with competitive training, education, boarding and lodging. It also offers them a pathway to join the Indian Navy.
