Over 100 participants from various states will vie with each other on the backwaters of Kochi in the first mega yachting event to be held in the country from August 25 to 29.
A joint initiative of Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala and Kerala Watersports and Sailing Organisation, the “Kochi – Onam Regatta ‘Jalaoutsavam 2012’, is aimed at promotion of watersport activity in the state abundant with water bodies.
“There will be seven classes of yachts such as Optimist, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, 29er, Hobie –Cat, Enterprise Classes and Windsurf. Five boys from the state will participate while the maximum contests will be from Tamil Nadu – 15,” Dr George Thomas, Organising Committee Chairman said.
“Yachting is a watersport activity with 33 medals in Olympics but unfortunately we couldn’t send a single contestant. Kerala is abundant with water bodies and is the right place for popularisation of the sport,” Jolly Thomas, Captain of Boats, said.