RESULTS of The Coast Guard Rolling Trophy 2013
16th & 17th February 2013

The plan was to have an event that celebrated The Coast Guard Raising Day through a series of "Services - Civilian" interaction. The CG organized Beach Volley Ball, Cycling and gave us an opportunity to organize an event closer to their roots "sailing".

The level of the fleet was high with the presence of the Pro Teams from the Army. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the others who quickly outsourced talent and expertise in the form of competent student members (RMYC members with National and International exposure) that helped in their races. The Aviators team took the help of a student member, the Coastal Security that of two student members, The Madras Boat Club Team saw a Club skipper .... The regular Sea Bird Sailors raced and put up a great show through two days and a 10 race series. The weather and conditions were remarkably good with steady wind from the East at about 7 to 8 k. on day one and a little less on the day of the finals.

The event was historic - both in terms of participation and fun. On the water, racing was fierce, and so was the fun and social interaction on shore. This is the first time that some student members found themselves "in great demand" by the senior sailors looking for competent crew. The sight of "interdependence" was lovely!

One wonders if the event, the enthusiasm and the turnout would have been the same had it not been the message and drive of the man in command, "The Chief Of Coast Guard" who in his address at the Press Meet outlined the event, his support and ensured that the event got all the support that it needed to meet it's goal in celebrating a Coast Guard - Civilian partnership.

One remembers the first time in 1996 when the RMYC held a National Event in the Laser - the then Chief's brief to his team was "you don't need my permission to say Yes to anything that the organizers need to run the Nationals, however, if you are going to say "no" to anything, then do so with my permission". We had requested divers with boats and equipment ...

The CG has been a pillar of strength to the sailing community - both fisher men and yacht's men. It's difficult to express in words the debt of gratitude that we feel to this organization who have help launch new blood in the game by providing a safety net for the activities of the sailing community.

The members, organizers and the Club feel privileged to have been associated with this event and look forward to many more annual events in the years to come.

The weather and conditions could hardly have been better with swell up to about a meter and the wind staying in the East and shifting to the East South East that made the Race Officers work easier than expected, considering the rain and unpredictable weather in the last 48 hours.

The Services were the “tough” teams with Yakoob and Shiva at the helm. In the first race, the Coastal Security Team gave the Army guys a bit of a fright by rounding the top mark first. The Coast Guard Teams sailed really hard and “fast” (with Panwar at the helm, this is the given). This is the first time that one has seen a Sea Bird being roll tacked by a crew hanging over the side using the stay wires.

The civilians learned the “tricks” from the visiting team and one could see a ballet like dance on the gun hill every time the helm said “Tack”. The Garmin Boat with a Ladies Team cracked the first race with a gun and then had gear failure and had to settle for a more compromised finish over all. The Madras Boat Club team and the Chitambaram Ship Care team were neck to neck in most races. The Afton Team and the Aviators team put up a great show –often exchanging positions. The surprise was the RMYC Team with Mr. Sundarmurthy as helm and the enthusiastic crew comprising of Ms. Anahatha and two other student members went on to get the gun in two of the three races – thereby qualifying to race the finals.

Day - 2, Sunday 17/02/2013

Today is the Finals for the Coast Guard Rolling Trophy. The forenoon was not very encouraging with an over cast sky and drizzling, however as the day progressed, the clouds started clearing and the winds picked up & steadied for a fair racing condition. Top three qualifying teams each from yesterdays Group A & Group B races (semi finals) were seen discussing strategies with their respective crew. Six Seabird boats set sail to the racing venue (North of the channel, in line with the fishing harbor). Four races were held back to back, all the races were sailed in a tight formation.

Glimpses from The Coast Guard Rolling Trophy 2013 Click on image to enlarge                                   (team) AWSA - winners of the COAST GUARD CUP RMYC - 2013 (team) TYC - Runner-up of the COAST GUARD CUP RMYC - 2013 participants of the COAST GUARD CUP RMYC - 2013 race being flagged off by dignitaries race officers signaling the start stiff competition ensues coast guard team at the finish of first race group - a race comes to an end prize distribution on board CG ship - SPECIAL PRIZE for All women’s GARMIN team prize distribution on board CG ship - PROMISING TEAM: MARINE POLICE 2nd prize Team: AWSA, Helm: YAKOBU, Crew Girish, Kaushal, Rajeev 1st prize: Team: TYC Helm: SHIVA, Crew Narayana, L.K. Rao, Rahul The chief guest addresing the gathering Cptn. Vivek's turn to hold the mike Its party time vote of thanks Ladies only prize distribution on board CG ship - SPECIAL PRIZE for All women’s GARMIN team prize distribution on board CG ship - SPECIAL PRIZE for All women’s GARMIN team 3rd prize Team: AVIATORS, Helm: Capt Vivek Shanbhag, Crew: Cmdnt AKS Panwar, Abhimanyu, Dy Cmdnt Gaurav

Click here for the entire collection of the event.