THE inaugural C-in-C Cup Mumbai Harbour Race was held on 01 Apr 2017 in Mumbai harbour. The event was conducted by the Western Naval Command with the aim of providing an impetus to the sport, a common platform for all big boat sailors in and around Mumbai, and for promoting bonhomie between clubs in and around Mumbai. The event was hosted by the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. The C-in-C of the Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, also sailed for the race and joined other teams.
Stiff breeze and stiffer competition greeted the 120 odd sailors and 15 yachts which made it to the start line at the appointed hour. A changing tide, unequal depths and drafts, fishing nets, relief features along the coast, anchored ships and varying winds tested the team skippers and tacticians to the hilt.
The two hour race, which started at the historic Gateway of India, laid a course along the coast all the way upto Sunk Rock lighthouse after which the boats were to cut across the harbour and round a mark to the South, sail a loop and head to a finish line laid off the Gateway of India. The distance also meant that the race was a test of seamanship and navigational acumen.The race was followed by prize distribution at the club.