Reflections on Heritage Sail
Dear all,
The Heritage Sail was a grand success beyond what we had anticipated. A big thanks to Gayathree who took the initiative. Things just fell into place at the right time.
Historian Sriram offered to talk about the rich history of the Club and recreated the scene on the waters a hundred years back. Ramesh Lulla and Rohini amply supplemented.
The Coast Guard went beyond our expectation by offering a ship on full standby with Gemini boats on board anchored around the Marina and closely monitoring our Sail boats.
The Indian Institute of Logistics offered their big boat to take the guests out to sea to offer a panoramic view of the buildings and monuments on Marina beach.
The Chairman of ChPT Mr. Atulya Misra IAS and Capt MK Sinha gave all the necessary permissions and the Dy. Chairman of ChPT Mr. Parida in spite of his busy schedule flagged of the historic sail.
The CISF facilitated the guests and Press personnel entry into the Port. Of course we had complied with all their security requirements.
Cookieman was kind enough to sponsor their biscuits generously for the event thanks to Gayathree again.
The sport fishing members Manoj Chacko and Santosh had cancelled all their sports fishing trips to cater to our rescue, spectator and press requirements.
The Club staffs prepared for this event at a feverish pace and made sure all boats were cleaned and ready. All requirements of members and guests were taken care with a personal touch. Special mention is to be made of Chinna Reddy, Martin and Ramesh.
Our sailors’ whole heartedly came forward to sail to create a grand spectacle of sails. Their enthusiasm was infectious and things just fell into place without much effort as if the whole event had been rehearsed meticulously. Our members without any prompting made frequent trips to Gate 7 to get guests and press inside. Every member helped in their own way. Gayathree was the early bird putting pictures and photos in place.
The guests were simply impressed with our efforts and were cheerful and felt as if they were part of the Club in over looking some of the short comings encountered. Every one appreciated the event without offering criticism.
As for myself even as the Coast Guard informed me that the last boat was turning into the harbour, I was rushing home to shower and fly to Mumbai and then Jeddah from there. In between my flights I just managed to call and thank some of our well wishers and supporters.
This definitely calls for a bigger and grander CHRISTMAS SAIL in December. Historian Sriram has agreed for the same. Let us make this a super event.
Cheers,
Capt. Vivek Shanbhag
Commodore
