Left to Right: Saad Multani, Sanket Bhosle, Chetan Rane, Shri Nishant Samaiya, Shri Dharmesh Thakkar, Alpana Chauhan, Prashant Jadav, Sagar Jondhale, Shri Kamlesh Doke, Jigisha Patil
A Unique Republic Day Celebration at Mumbai Harbour…!
Mumbai witnessed a magnificent maritime spectacle on 26th January 2025 as the 2nd Edition of the Sail Parade unfurled at the historic Gateway of India. This grand event captivated onlookers with a remarkable unfurling of the national Tricolour at sea and an elegant Parade of Sails, a sail-past salute by budding young sailors.
Key Highlights of Sail Parade 2025:
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial unfurling of the Indian national flag by the esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Nishant Samaiya IRS (Additional Commissioner of Income Tax). Royal Lady, the prestigious yacht was anchored at Mumbai Harbour and proudly bore the flag, symbolizing national pride and maritime heritage.
The highlight of the event was a spectacular sail-past featuring a majestic fleet of yachts, dinghies, and sailboats of various classes cruising gracefully along the Mumbai coastline. This enchanting display showcased the beauty of sailing and underscored the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
Sailing enthusiasts and the public engaged in interactive sessions with expert sailors, including national champions and professional coaches. These insightful discussions inspired and nurtured the next generation of sailing talent.
For aspiring sailors and children, a series of workshops and demonstrations were conducted, offering hands-on experiences and fostering an appreciation for this eco-friendly and adventurous sport. Young sailor kids were awarded certificates of excellence too, this is a great boosting tool to keep up the enthu of young kids who will become future expert sailors of India – ready to participate in international Championships.
The event proved a vibrant spectacle delight, the patriotism of each participant while unfurling of Tricolor, shouting for joy with music, great synchronization of sailboats during the sea parade, the spirit of young sailors with wind & sea waves… creating a holistic experience that celebrated Mumbai’s maritime culture.
Sailing, as demonstrated through events like the Sail Parade, is a testament to adventure, skill, and respect for nature. It is an eco-friendly sport that relies on the power of wind rather than fossil fuels, making it a sustainable recreational activity.
By organizing the Sail Parade, we aimed to create awareness about the benefits of sailing, including its potential to foster teamwork, discipline, and environmental stewardship.
The Yacht Operators Welfare Association (YOWA) is a dedicated organization committed to advancing the interests of yacht operators in Mumbai. It fosters collaboration among yacht operators, promotes sailing events, and ensures the welfare of professionals associated with the maritime sector. YOWA actively works toward nurturing Mumbai’s maritime heritage and making sailing accessible to the community.
Key members of YOWA include:
- Sagar Jondhale (President)
- Muthulingam Nadar (Vice President)
- Prashant Jadhav (Secretary)
- Chetan Sunil Rane (Joint Secretary)
- Siddhesh V. Warang (Treasurer)
- Alpana I. Chauhan (Sr. Member & MTDC empanelled service provider)
The Yachting Association of Maharashtra (YAM) plays a pivotal role in promoting the sport of sailing across the state. As a guiding body, YAM supports sailing clubs, coordinates regattas, and champions the cause of maritime education and training. Through its initiatives, YAM aims to position Maharashtra as a leading destination for sailing and marine sports.
Avennue Sea Tourism (AST) stands at the forefront of aqua tourism in Mumbai. With a mission to offer unforgettable sea-based experiences, AST provides curated yacht charters, sailing tours, and exclusive maritime events. It is committed to promoting sustainable tourism while allowing both tourists and locals to explore Mumbai’s stunning coastline. AST’ collaboration with the Sail Parade highlighted its dedication to fostering the maritime culture of the region.
AST is the favourite venture of Alpana Chauhan – a veteran hospitality professional, here we just not only give a sailing experience but also promote Tourism, give information on Indian Heritage, Culture and educate each guest to be responsible towards conserving nature. There are special tours for ‘Specially Abled’ guests & only women too in association with MTDC.
The Sail Parade also serves as a platform to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations that have significantly advanced the sport of sailing in Maharashtra and beyond. By celebrating their efforts, they aimed to inspire more people to participate in and support the remarkable sport of yachting & Sailing.
Mumbai’s identity is intrinsically linked to the sea. Events like the Sail Parade celebrated this maritime heritage and promoted a deeper understanding of the need to protect and preserve our marine environments. By bringing together sailors, enthusiasts, and the public, the event fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility for the ocean.
The success of this event highlighted the growing interest in sailing as a sport and recreational activity. By continuing to organize such initiatives, we hope to position Mumbai as a leading hub for sailing and marine tourism in India – YOWA, YAM & AST.
Event dtls & photos © YOWA, Alpana Chauhan & Jigisha Patil.
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