The Coastal Karnataka Sailing Club, based near Kulur Bridge in Mangaluru, has launched a program to offer sailing training to children from modest backgrounds, especially those from the local fishing community. This non-profit club envisions establishing Mangaluru as a key national and international sailing hub, with initial training sessions for selected students from local schools beginning this week.
Lt Col Siwatch, a former NCC officer and certified national jury member, shared the club’s mission to make sailing accessible to children who may otherwise miss out on such opportunities. “Sailing is an Olympic and Asian Games sport with vast career prospects, from life-saving skills to job opportunities,” Siwatch stated, emphasizing the club’s goal to foster water confidence and skill development among youth.
Beginners require about three weeks of foundational training, while those aiming for competitive levels may need six to eight months. The club has already selected around 5-6 boys and girls from both underprivileged and affluent families, offering free training to those in need. The initiative also includes a plan to train differently abled children under the World Sailing Inclusive Development Programme, with hopes of participating in the Paralympics.
Key members, including former NCC cadets and certified instructors Rohan and Yashwanth, Major General (retired) Devaya, adviser to the youth empowerment department, club chairman Harish Shenoy, and Lt Col Siwatch, officially launched the club on November 1. Their recent achievements include guiding Karnataka and Goa NCC cadets to gold at the All India Yachting Regatta (AIYR).
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