Mangaluru: The growing demand for sailing as a sport among educational institutions in the region has prompted the Coastal Karnataka Sailing Club (CKSC), located near the Kulur Bridge, to seek government assistance in securing land to expand its activities. With increasing interest from schools, colleges, corporate groups, and professional communities, the club believes that acquiring land is essential to support the sport’s development in Mangaluru.

Rising interest in sailing among institutions

According to CKSC coach Rohan, sailing is rapidly gaining popularity in the city. He told TOI that many architects, builders, and institutions are showing enthusiasm for participating in sailing programmes. Additionally, several companies have expressed willingness to extend support through CSR funding. However, the club’s lack of its own land has become a major obstacle to accessing such financial support.

Rohan emphasised that the club urgently requires space for an office, a classroom, and a shed to anchor sailboats. “We have been reaching out to the government. Since the club is relatively new, it may take at least three years to get the land allotted. MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has extended support, and we have approached MLA Vedavyas Kamath and the district administration,” he said.

Need for basic infrastructure and facilities

The club believes that once land is secured, more institutions will begin sending students for regular sailing training. Rohan added that the club needs basic infrastructure, including changing rooms, shower facilities, drinking water arrangements, and a slipway or jetty to operate efficiently.

Despite the sport being relatively expensive, CKSC has managed to train students and send them to national-level events. “In the last year, without any government event support, we successfully hosted a regatta (boat race),” Rohan noted. This reflects the club’s ability to organise competitive events even with minimal resources.

Collaboration with govt bodies and event planning

CKSC has been working in close coordination with the district administration, including the tourism and sports departments, to plan sailing championships as part of the upcoming Karavali Utsav and the beach festival. The club asserts that with proper land allocation and infrastructure, sailing can become a major sport in the region, enabling schools and colleges across Mangaluru to incorporate it formally into their sports activities.

The club also highlighted the potential of sailing to boost tourism in coastal Karnataka. It has urged Mangaluru Smart City Ltd to consider allocating land under its riverfront development plan, emphasising that sailing could strengthen the region’s adventure tourism offerings.

Strengthening partnerships and training initiatives

In a significant development, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mangalore Group and CKSC have signed a five-year MoU to provide specialised sailing and watermanship training to cadets. CKSC has already been training NCC cadets since 2019 and aims to further enhance the training modules with improved infrastructure.

Additionally, the club has partnered with the Lake Side Water Sports and Sailing Academy in Kerala, where government support for sailing is considered strong. This collaboration enables CKSC to share expertise, exchange training methods, and take part in inter-state competitions.

Upcoming events and competitions

Teams from CKSC are set to participate in the forthcoming Beypore River Water Festival in December. In turn, teams from Kerala are expected to join the beach festival in Mangaluru, further promoting sailing as a key sporting and cultural exchange activity between the two states.

Conclusion

With sailing gaining popularity and institutions recognising its potential, CKSC’s plea for government-supported land allocation has become crucial for the sport’s growth in Mangaluru. Adequate infrastructure and strategic partnerships could help the region produce skilled national and international-level sailors while strengthening tourism and youth engagement in water sports. The coming years may witness a significant transformation in the coastal sports landscape, provided the club receives the support it needs.