Date:13/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/13/stories/2007031302320200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

An opportunity for a day out at sea

P. Oppili

Weekly training programme on sailing at Chennai Harbour

Sailboats in action. — Photo: Special Arrangement

CHENNAI: If you are a water sports adventure lover, here is an opportunity to take to water.

The Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA) is training people in how to sail at the Chennai harbour every week. The programme is titled `A Day Out at Sea'.

Shantha Ravikumar, one of the members, said: "In Chennai, little is known about this sport which offers excitement, fun and opportunities for teamwork, challenge, leadership, and decision making." Participants usually assemble at 11 a.m. on weekends. The programme starts off with they being familiarised on sailing jargons. Safety issues are given special attention, she said. The rest of the morning is spent on a cruise around the harbour right up to the open sea, with helpful TNSA members on board highlighting the salient points of various ships and liners, the modern port and its operations.

Children over eight years of age can enrol for the programme. There is no upper age limit for adults.

Those interested in participating in the programme can contact Shantha Ravikumar at shantha.ravikumar@gmail.com or call 94444 93437.