CHENNAI: The 11th India International Regatta, now rebranded as the SDAT India International Youth Sailing Championship, will be held in Chennai from January 4 to 10. Hosted by the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA) under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India and the Asian Sailing Federation, the event remains India’s longest-running international youth sailing competition.

Sailors from 13 countries, along with competitors from nine leading clubs in India, are set to participate. The regatta will feature several of the country’s top youth and senior sailors and will also serve as part of the ASAF Cup 2025-26 series, allowing Asian sailors to earn ranking points.

Since its launch in 2009, the regatta has provided a competitive platform for emerging Indian sailors, many of whom have progressed to major international events including the Asian Games and World Championships. Chennai’s winter wind conditions and coastal infrastructure have made it a preferred venue for national-level training and international competition.

The regatta also coincides with the state’s upcoming high-performance sailing infrastructure initiatives. Works are underway in developing the Tamil Nadu Sailing Academy and Centre of Excellence near Marina Beach, along with the Tamil Nadu Olympic Water Sports Academy in Ramanathapuram.