The Indian sailing calendar would be privileged to have a major and exciting addition with the introduction of the first YAI – Ocean Gold Konkan Offshore Sailing Regatta. This mega maritime event is to be held between December 8 and 12, 2025, and is a product of a joint venture between Ocean Gold and the Yachting Association of India (YAI). The regatta is created as an endurance race that is quite hectic, with 222 nautical miles, and is sure to bring adventure and excitement to the sea. It will present the exotic challenges and the crude beauty of the Konkan coastline, and a route will be taken that links two most representative moments of the Indian Ocean.
The regatta is all about its tough and historic course that is designed in such a manner that it is a challenging race that tests the ability of all participants to be persistent. The route begins with the breathtaking scene of the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the course starts with the 222-nautical-mile trip.
The fleet will then be racing down the coast on the west, through the winding waters and streams of the Konkan shore, to its last home in Goa. The entire event has been placed squarely on the issues of safety that will be at the highest standards, and the provision of a world-class racing experience to everyone concerned.
One of the culturally important and unique aspects of the offshore trip is the scheduled visit to historic Vijaydurg Fort. It is an exclusive heritage visit that offers a break in the busy race between the competition and the rich history of the coastal Maharashtra, and the sailors resume the last leg to the finish line in Goa. The difficult combination of both an intense endurance race and the possibility of exploration of the coast makes the regatta not only a great competition but also a combination of hard sport and appreciation of the seaside history of the area.
The regatta has been able to bring in a competitive and highly credentialed pool of sailors and vessels. The fleet involved totals ten boats, i.e., eight strong keel boats and two sprightly Seabird boats. These boats will be manned by some of the most successful sailors that India can provide, which will highlight the quality of the competition. This introduction of the Seabird category joins the keelboats, which ensure a dynamic race and various competitive categories during the event.
The appearance of a variety of prominent notables of the Indian naval and sailing fraternity adds much prestige to the occasion. Regatta will involve Commander Dilip Donde (Retd.), who boasts of the prestigious honor of being the first Indian solo circumnavigator. His involvement introduces unmatched experience and knowledge to the waters. In addition to that, the Indian Navy is well represented through the efforts of Lieutenant Commander Dilna Devadas and Lieutenant Commander Roopa Alagirisamy, whose presence underlines solid support and focus on sailing excellence in the Indian defense structure.
The YAI – Ocean Gold Konkan Offshore Sailing Regatta has a detailed program, with the initial phase of the event taking place in the form of essential organization activities before the actual commencement of the race. The tournament will start off with the official opening on December 7 with a mandatory registration and a complete skippers’ briefing, which will be held at the prestigious Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Mumbai.
It even has a structured race happening with staggered start times according to the type of vessels. The Seabird class will be the first to officially sail out of the Gateway of India on December 8. The keelboats, which are larger, will come behind them, and they will start on December 9. The long-awaited heritage visit to Vijaydurg fort will be hosted as the fleet continues down the coast, and will provide the participants with a memorable and unique experience mid-race.
The Goa Yachting Rendezvous arises due to the end of the offshore season in Goa. This is part of the event where there is a specific race among the Seabird fleet in the waters of Goa. It also includes a certain day race around Grande Island designed specifically for the keelboats. The overall regatta, including the endurance test and the successive local races, will be documented in a special media program, which is expected to give the viewers a fascinating peek into the struggles and pure excitement in the offshore sailing scene in India.
The YAI – Ocean Gold Konkan Offshore Sailing Regatta is not only a sports event but is strategically placed to be a new milestone in the sailing calendar in India, which is very competitive. It has managed to combine the high-stakes competition of the sea with the essence of exploration of the coastal waters and has been able to attract the best talent and considerable institutional backing. Safety and high racing ideals are well-enforced in the event with the active assistance of relevant national maritime organizations, such as the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and the local state tourism departments, which will ensure high-quality logistical and safety services, including the required access to key coastal destinations.