SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing: Day 1 of racing at the SDAT ASAF International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 and the 11th India International Regatta delivered a full and satisfying day on the water, with three races completed across all classes under steady and challenging Chennai conditions.
Wind speeds remained remarkably consistent throughout the day, averaging around 18 knots, creating ideal racing conditions for the Optimist, ILCA 4, and International 420 fleets, while presenting a sterner test for the high-performance 29er and iQFOiL classes, where boat speeds and handling demands increase significantly in stronger winds.
The sea state was typically Chennai -- choppy waters with plenty of white horses, adding to the physical and tactical challenge. However, the absence of major wind shifts, with direction holding steady between 45 and 50 degrees, allowed the Race Committee to run uninterrupted racing without the need for course changes, contributing to efficient and high-quality race management on the opening day.
