Raj Dutta

VETERANS SAILING CUP RACE – 2023

The First event in the rundown to the Veterans Day was the Soman Memorial Lecture at the Mulla Auditorium on 07^th Jan 2023, that was immediately followed by the Sumptuous Lunch hosted by our CinC at the IMSC. The next event was the Tri-services Veterans Day Parade organised on Marine Drive on the Morning of Sunday, 08 Jan 2023. The Parade that had been flagged off by Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari was a phenomenal unprecedented Success. One could witness hordes of Indians flanking the Veterans Parade, singing patriotic songs, captured by media and Filmed by Internationally acclaimed Film Director Mr Ananth Narayan Mahadevan. The very next day was dedicated to the Indian Naval Waterman-ship Training Complex (INWTC) for the Sailing Race between Veterans and CinC yachting teams for J-24 Race.

Director INWTC, Cdr T Bakshi had made elaborate arrangements for the event. He had arranged for Musical band and a huge Windsurfer as a selfi-point. Cdr Ashim Mahajan, Regional Dir Bacardi had sponsored the drink for cocktails. Although the CinC's Team had practised befor the Race, the 4-member Veterans sailing team had not practiced at all for J-24, prior to the finale scheduled at 2 pm on the 09^th Jan. Infact Farokh had finalised his team on the last day. Farokh is Veterans Prized possession, and we are indeed proud of him.

The Teams :

C-in-C Four

1. Cmde Arvind Sharma (Captain)

2. LtCdr Vikram Singh Bisht

3. LtCdr Payal Gupta

4. LtCdr Kaushal Pednekar

Veterans Four

1. LtCdr Farokh Tarapore (Captain)

2. Lt Ashim Mongia

3. Cdr Dinesh Rai

4. LtCdr Amit Arvind

Match Umpire: Mr George Yurke (Finland, Olympics Gold-2000) & Cmde (SCC) Rabi Ahuja

All sailors listed above have had immense experience in Sailing nationally and internationally. While Farokh and Mongia are reputed international sailors with Arjun Awards to boost, other sailors too had enough sailing expertise. It was a pleasure to meet the Match Umpire with an Olympic Gold to boost, Mr George Yurke.

WTC – 09 Jan 2020

The Veteran spectators started gathering at the First-floor Veranda of the Sailing Club at WTC. We were greeted by the C-in-C’s team. Meena was glad to meet OIC WTC, Cdr T Bakshi who shared her maiden Surname. Soon there was great bonhomie generated as more Veterans gathered. The senior- most Veteran to grace the event was 89 yrs young Cmde Rabi Ahuja, Cmde Superintendent SCC. The Naval Band in uniform was crooning in one corner, as chilled Beer/ Bacardi Cocktail was being served at the other.😀 The WTC had erected huge banners depicting the event, against which we all got ourselves snapped. The party indeed initiated with the arrival of Cdr Vadhera and his Charming lady Sunita. The sing-song session was launched by Cdr Vijay Vadhera, and taking a cue some couples took to the floor. The Biryani Lunch to follow was delectable and aromatic supplemented with yummy Gulab-Jamun. When Cdr Vadhera asked for Volunteers for witnessing the Race out at Sea, everyone was excited. The Director INWTC had arranged for a few speed boats for spectators. All proceeding to Sea were provided with Life Jackets for safety. Farokh briefed all present on the conduct of Races, and conceded the toss to the CinC’s Team, which took the choice of the boat, leaving the option of side to Farokh, who opted for Stbd. The confidence exhibited by Farokh was a give away of the Race outcome to unfold shortly.

The triangular racecourse was laid with 3 huge orange floating Buoys a nautical mile apart. Best of five races were run, of which the Veterans comfortably won first 3 races to win the Trophy. The Veterans Team won their 3 races back to back, to seal their overall win and avenge the 3 yrs old defeat. Nevertheless, the CinC team did give their opponents a run for their money. The spectators excitedly watched the races from a distance, yelling for their team players speculating the Race results. (Pics and Videos Below)

At the presentation Ceremony Cmde Chiplunkar, presented the prized rolling trophy to Farokh and his Team. Cdr Vadhera narrated the genesis of the Sailing Race between Veterans and CinC teams with a Vote of Thanks to the Organisers, Cdr Ashim Mahajan (the Bacardi Man) and the Umpire Mr Yurke. He was also grateful to Cmde Rabi Ahuja, and called him on stage to felicitate the Band. Expeditiously a Bacardi Bottle was gift wrapped and presented to the Band Chief.

Meena suggested a Victory dance music to be played by the Band prior Sayonara, which she merrily captured in her Camera, as all present swayed to a melodious number, After all, the Veterans had deservedly WON, as promised by Farokh to President NFMC (Video Below)

Looking forward the Grand Event of the Cricket Match between Veterans XI and CinC XI.

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind!

(PS- Kindly double click the videos below to play and zoom with your finger for comfortable viewing.)

VIDEOS

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SNAPS

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