07 May,2026 11:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The event began on May 4, 2026 and will conclude on May 9, 2026. Pics/Defence PRO
The YAI Youth Nationals 2026 sailing championship on Thursday continued at Mumbai's Marve beach, bringing together some of India's most talented young sailors.
Organised under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India, the championship is regarded as one of the country's premier youth sailing competitions.
The event began on May 4, 2026 and will conclude on May 9, 2026.
Favourable wind and sea conditions throughout the week have allowed organisers to successfully conduct several races across different sailing categories, an official statement said.
The championship features competitions in Optimist class sailing, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 Laser classes, IQ Foils, Techno 293 Windsurfing, 420 mixed class and 29er class.
Participants have displayed strong racing tactics, excellent boat handling skills and consistent performances while competing for top positions on the leaderboard.
Officials said that the YAI Youth Nationals continue to play an important role in identifying and developing future sailing talent for national and international competitions.
The championship also encourages discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie among young athletes from across the country.
With the competition entering its final stages, excitement continues to build as sailors compete for national honours.
Earlier, mid-day had reported on how Mumbai municipal school students who last year received the opportunity to learn to sail with the help of Indian Army experts are now shining at the competition.
On September 20, 2025, 15 girls and 15 boys from municipal schools had received the opportunity to learn sailing. Less than a year later, two of them, Sanjana Singh and Atif Ansari, both 14, have made it to the Junior National Sailing Regatta 2026.
The participants have been using Optimist-class dinghies, which have a single sail and can be manoeuvred by only one child at a time. These vessels are entirely wind-driven, using only a tiller and the rope connected to the main sail.
Initially afraid of water, Atif is now very comfortable with the tides. "I am now confident that I can swim and take care of myself. I enjoy competing in these contests," Atif said.
Attending Grant Road's Jagannath Shankar Sheth Municipal School, Sanjana is the second Std X student who made it to the nationals.
Read full story: From BMC classrooms to national waters: Olympic dreams set sail in Mumbai
