Chennai Hosts 11th India International Regatta as SDAT India International Youth Sailing Championship

December 31, 2025: Chennai, Tamil Nadu: India’s longest-running international youth sailing event, the India International Regatta (IIR), returns to Chennai for its 11th edition from January 4 to 10, 2026, in a renewed format as the SDAT India International Youth Sailing Championship. Dr.Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of TamilNadu; J. Meganath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary- Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and R. Ashok Thakkar, Vice President- TNSA & YAI, Chairman Organizing Committee IIR 2026 today addressed the Journalists at a press meet that the event further reinforces Chennai’s standing as India’s premier sailing destination and adds another milestone to the Government of Tamil Nadu’s growing sporting legacy.

3rd from left: R. Ashok Thakkar, Vice President- TNSA & YAI, Chairman Organizing Committee IIR2026; Dr.Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of TamilNadu; J. Meganath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary- Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu 

Organised under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) and the Asian Sailing Federation, and hosted by the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA), the regatta remains the only international youth sailing competition in India to be conducted consistently for over a decade. The 2026 edition will feature sailors from 13 countries, including India, representing nine leading sailing clubs, and showcasing the nation’s top-ranked youth and senior sailors.

Press meet Youtube Video link 👇 

As part of the ASAF Cup Series 2025–26, the championship offers Asian sailors the opportunity to earn valuable points towards the overall ASAF Cup standings. For Indian sailors, the event provides a rare chance to compete against high-quality international fleets on home waters, significantly contributing to athlete development and global exposure. All races will be live streamed on the @IndiaInternationalRegatta and @SportsTamilNadu (SDAT) YouTube channels, bringing the action to a wider audience.

Since its inception in 2009, the India International Regatta has played a pivotal role in elevating sailing standards in India. Many sailors who first competed here have gone on to represent the country at the Asian Games, World Championships, and the Olympic Games. Chennai’s favourable winter climate, steady winds, and protected waters—combined with high-quality race management—have made it a preferred training base for the national sailing squad and a recognised international venue.

The regatta is conducted in strict adherence to international racing standards, overseen by qualified race officials and juries, ensuring fair and professional competition. The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) is the Principal Sponsor, reflecting the state government’s sustained commitment to high-performance sport. L&T Construction continues its long-standing association as Co-sponsor. Key support comes from the Indian Coast Guard, Chennai Port Authority, Indian Navy, and other maritime institutions, with Taj Club House as the hospitality sponsor.

Looking ahead, TNSA and the Government of Tamil Nadu are investing in long-term infrastructure, including a Centre for Sailing Excellence and the upcoming Tamil Nadu Sailing Academy near Marina Beach, alongside the Tamil Nadu Olympic Water Sports Academy (TNOWSA) in Ramanathapuram. These initiatives are set to further strengthen Chennai’s position as the sailing capital of India.

As sailors from across the world gather once again in Chennai, the 11th India International Regatta stands as a testament to sustained vision, organisational excellence, and India’s growing stature on the global sailing map, inspiring the next generation of sailors.

****