WNC Golden Jubilee Maiden Ocean Sailing Race Flagged Off

Seven yachts to participate in an 85 nautical miles race in an open sea

Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command flagged off a maiden ocean sailing race on December 1, from off the Gateway of India and Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The race has been organised by the Western Naval Command as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.

According to a press release, seven yachts, including those from the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Bombay Merchant’s Club and the Western Naval Command are participating in this overnight race. The yachts are larger than 7.5 metre in length with a fixed keel and will race over 85 nautical miles in the open sea. The Round One of the race will mark off from Murud Janjira, followed by another mark 20 miles into the sea before sailing back to Mumbai. The yachts will have to navigate through commercial shipping and fishing traffic whilst racing against their counterparts.




This is the first time that an offshore race has been formally organised for larger boats. The race celebrates Mumbai’s strong maritime heritage and also aims to enhance Mumbaikars’ connect with the seas. The Western Naval Command has, since its inception, been the backbone for promoting yachting events at the national level as well as at Mumbai and with the Golden Jubilee Ocean Sailing Race, the Command plans to lay the foundation for big boat racing in India, said the release.