CHENNAI: Sailor Krishna Venkitachalam of the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) climbed to the top of the Optimist Boys leaderboard as strong and gusty conditions reshaped the standings on Day 2 of the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship and the 11th India International Regatta off the Chennai coast on Wednesday.

Three races were again completed across all classes, but the second day proved significantly tougher than the opening round, with winds strengthening and gusts touching 20 knots. Race officials attributed the challenging weather to upper-air circulation linked to a developing rainfall system over Sri Lanka from  January 9.

The heavier breeze led to several capsizes and retirements, particularly among less experienced sailors from India and overseas, as the choppy sea state placed a premium on fitness, balance and boat-handling skills. Aggression at the start line also increased as fleets settled into rhythm, with three boats penalised for false starts across the Optimist and ILCA 4 classes.

In the Optimist Boys fleet, Krishna’s consistent sailing saw him move ahead of Malaysia’s Khairulilzani Bin Mohd Afendy, who had led after Day 1, while Ravi Kumar Benneollu of Telangana Sailing Association sits third. In the Optimist Girls category, Ireland strengthened its presence near the top, with Philippa Aisling Cox Arthurs and Lilly Sheridan occupying second and third behind India’s Shringhari Roy of SSC.

The ILCA 4 Boys category also witnessed reshuffling within the Indian contingent, although domestic sailors continued to hold off overseas challengers in one of the most competitive divisions. In the girls’ fleet, Aastha Pandey of NSS Bhopal retained control ahead of teammates Tulsi Patle and Mahi Verma, underlining a strong showing from the Bhopal squad.