Port Blair, Mar 19: The Inaugural Indian Navy Inter Command J24 Sailing Championship 2014that commenced on 04 Mar 14 from Port Blair under the aegis of HQ Andaman and Nicobar Command concluded on 12 Mar 14. The overall coordinator of the event was Indian Navy Watermanship Training Centre at INS Jarawa. One team each comprising of six members from Western, Eastern and Southern Naval Commands and Andaman and Nicobar Command participated in the championship. The race was flagged off from Naval Jetty on 04 Mar 14. The race was divided into four legs, whose route had to be changed mid-course due to inclement weather. The teams were flagged in on 12 Mar 14. The teams were escorted by INS Saryu and Baratang who guided and conducted the race at sea.
The closing ceremony was conducted on 14 Mar 14 at INWTC (PB). Air Mshl PK Roy, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command was the Chief Guest for the ceremony, and presented the trophies to the teams of the Western Naval Command and Southern Command, who were the winners and runners up respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, the CINCAN applauded the efforts of Indian Navy, INS Jarawa and INWTC (PB) for conducting event of such magnitude in these islands. He also commended the efforts of INWTC (PB) for being in the fore front in organising sailing activities and promoting watermanship activities in the command. He appreciated efforts taken by INWTC in conducting Summer Sailing camp for children, JalKridaDiwas, Power boat handling, Para sailing camp, J24 and enterprise class sailing championships.He was also appreciative of theoverall logistics planning, co-ordination among all components and the execution which was a classical example of the Jointmanship.
The competition amply demonstrated the teams’ ability to navigate, sail and endure the harsh conditions at sea, both during day and night. All aims of the competition were fulfilled, and would go a long way towards promoting water adventure activities in these pristine islands.
