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Far
away in the continent of America a long Indian Naval Ship is gallantly
challenging the fraternity of international Sailors in the water of the
great lakes, in a spectacular Sailing event- the Tall Ship challenge
Series 2003. Having set Sail on 23 Jan from the port city of Kochi,
Tarangini is on a mission to circumnavigate the globe in a span of fifteen
months. The voyage is aimed at broadening the horizons of young officer-
trainees by exposing them to the socio-political, cultural, and maritime
facets of different countries and above all to inculcate in the young
officer and officer-
trainees the laudable qualities of team work, cohesiveness,
esprit-de-corps, and physical
and mental agility. Apart from developing the ability to meet challenges
with verve and vigour, it would also inculcate a deep a deep understanding
of, and , respect for the elements in the maritime environment.
The novices of yesterday have overnight turned into veterans of
today. Capitalising on their skills and training in sail manoeuvres, the
youthful sailors of Tarangini have learned to work a sailing ship
successfully and which in turn , has helped overcome their inexperience of
International sailing and exposure to the strategies and tactics which
plays a definite hand in a Tall Ship Race.
The races have been organised in two categories – The youth
Sailing division that includes 50% crew within the age group of 13 to 25
years and Cruising division comprising those vessels that do not come
under the youth division.
The Youth division is the main class in which all participating
vessels compete. From a Third place finish in the first of the four races
in the event , to the pole position in the next two races of the youth
sailing division, is indeed a spectacular performance. A total of nine
vessels have participated in each of the three races. The races so far
have seen participated by some well known ships in the sailing world like
the pride of Baltimore II, US Brig Niagra, Europa Highlander Sea and the
HMS Bounty.
About 25 traditionally rigged sailing vessels from different parts
of the world, namely Canada, Netherlands, Russia and USA, apart from
India, have assembled in the Great Lakes to participate in the Tall Ship
Races and the associated Harbour festival. The stellar performance of
Tarangini during the three races has put her in the lead for the overall
Tall Ship Trophy.
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