Chennai, March 26,2025
Marking yet another milestone in its illustrious legacy, the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) is set to embark on a historic international offshore expedition from Chennai (formerly Madras) to Sri Lanka and back.
The event, flagged off in the early hours of March 31, will make RMYC the first club in India to undertake such a cross-border sailing venture.
The expedition will be officially flagged off by Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, GOC Dakshin Bharat Area.
Scheduled to conclude on April 7, the voyage will see the participation of top RMYC sailors as they navigate the high seas on J/80 sailboats—known for their agility and performance.
Adding a layer of engagement and learning, NCC cadets from the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry directorate will join the fleet up to Nagapattinam as part of an exposure tour, accompanied by officers from the Indian Coast Guard.
“It’s a wonderful moment of celebration and excitement,” said Leela Shankar, host facilitator, trainer, and a key expedition team member at RMYC. “We’ve initiated extensive training for all participants, and everyone is looking forward to this landmark journey.”
The expedition will be led by Captain Vivek Shanbhag, with stopovers planned at Poompuhar and Nagapattinam en route to Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka. RMYC’s growing fleet of J/80 sailboats—recently expanded to five—will be fully deployed for this expedition.
RMYC has built a strong reputation for ambitious sailing missions in recent years. In 2022, the club completed a record-setting 1,000-nautical-mile expedition from Chennai to Rameswaram and back, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Commando Force and the Coastal Security Group.
Building on that success, RMYC also conducted a landmark all-women police team expedition during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of women’s induction into the Tamil Nadu Police Force. Both these expeditions have been recognized in the London Book of World Records, solidifying the club’s reputation as a pioneer in civilian maritime ventures.
This latest international initiative is supported by the Indian Navy and seeks not only to demonstrate the sporting spirit of sailing but also to foster stronger cultural and maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.
With a legacy of breaking new ground, the Royal Madras Yacht Club continues to sail ahead—charting courses that inspire, connect, and set records.
