Admirals Cup boat race 2011 begins on December 9

The second edition of Admiral's Cup, an International Sailing Regatta for trainees of Naval Academies from different countries, will be conducted at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala from 9th to 12th of December 2011. The maiden Admirals Cup was held in December last year at the INA itself. It was a great success witnessing a participation of 12 teams from 9 countries. Total 34 countries have been invited to the competition of this year. It will witness the participation of at least 12 countries including Brazil, Bangladesh, Maldevies, Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, UK, Italy and Sri Lanka. But the The authorities are expecting the number to touch 15 by the kick off time.

The Admiral's Cup was instituted by the Indian Navy. It is given to the champions of a 'fleet race' in a class of sail boats named Laser. It is a single crew Olympic class boat. The single person acts as the helmsman and sail trimmer in the boat. Every year, the Naval Academies of foreign countries across the globe are invited to the event aiming strengthening of the bond between them and India. They send their naval officer trainees to compete in the event. Last year, it was the Indian Navy who won the cup.

The races will be conducted at Ettikulam Bay near Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. Eight races will be held over a span of three days in both the men and women categories. Each country is allowed to roll out two boats. They will compete separately but the 'Admiral's Cup' would be awarded to the best team based on the individuals' combined performance. The medals for individual performance will also be awarded in both the men and women categories.

The opening ceremony is going to be organised flamboyantly in the evening of December 9th. After three days dedicated to the races on tides, the event will be concluded on December 12th.