24th April, 2010, Mumbai
The first leg of The HSBCCorporate Regatta Series was kick started on 24th of April at the Mumbai Harbour and it received an overwhelming response. Business leaders and Managing Directors from over 30 corporate houses across Mumbai sailed, raced and enjoyed the high energy event on the unchartered waters of Mumbai. The event races saw participation from some of the big names across industries. Among present were Ravi Mariwala, MD, Liprogen; Tarun Anand, MD, Thomson Reuters; Darius Kapadia,Director, Bisleri; Vikram Godse, MD, Mayfield fund; Neelesh Hundekari, Principal, AT Kearney . The regatta was organised by Aquasail in partnership with HSBC and has been supported by exclusive brands like Forbes, Citibank, Autohangar, Provogue, Jet Airways, Cox & Kings and Nautica.

The regatta was held as per international format and guidelines in two series against the historic backdrop of Gateway. A triangular course was laid out and the teams sailed with soaring energy in favourable winds. Seeing the enthusiasm of the participating teams, Shakeel Kudrolli, Founder and MD; Aquasail said, “The response has strengthened our belief that sailing can be promoted as a lifestyle in India and can be made as popular as other places in the world. I thank the sponsors who have taken the initiative and come on board with us to provide this amazing platform.” A sailing regatta is the perfect way to introduce people to the amazing sport of sailing.  There is competition against a backdrop of fun.  Regattas are a superb platform for socialising, networking and coming together to indulge in this very thrilling activity. The regatta was held as per international format and guidelines against the historic backdrop of Gateway of India and provided for quite a view for the onlookers. It was held on the fleet of sailing yachts and power boats of Aquasail.

The guests, though most of them first timers, and with no prior knowledge of sailing, learned sailing in teams, following which races were organised. The guests experienced the joy and thrill of sailing and the fun of racing and they raced with fervour. Salil Chaturvedi, Dy. MD, Provogue; also a former international sailing champion said,” sailing teaches you many things and I have found my experience in sailing relevant to business. Challenging the elements, strategy and execution and great team work are what make a great sailor and a good leader. I am proud to be a part of the first corporate regatta in India and am sure through this many will discover the amazing thrill of sailing and racing.”

Corporates world over have engaged with sailing in a big way and have used it as platform for networking, team bonding and leadership programs. Major events of the international sailing calendar like Cowes week, America’s Cup, Continental Airlines’s Sailing Regatta have enjoyed a huge support from the corporates. But first time in India, corporates have come ahead and join hands to promote the amazing sport of sailing.

The regatta was concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and the winning team led by Sanjay Razdan, MD, Capita received the honours.

For more details and race videos please visit: http://www.aquasailregattas.com

About Aquasail
Aquasail is a pioneer in the leisure boating industry in India. Founded in 2004 by Shakeel  Kudrolli;  Aquasail represents some of the world’s best brands spanning across segments including Power Boats, Sailing Yachts, beach dinghies, beach catamarans and windsurfers. Aquasail has invested in state of the art equipment, benchmarked performance to global standards and has employed a team of skilled and experienced sailors to ensure highest levels of safety and a world class sailing experience. 

About Shakeel Kudrolli
Shakeel Kudrolli, Founder and MD; Aquasail- A corporate lawyer by profession, Shakeel won India its first ever gold medal on international waters in 1989 at the Asian Championships in China. He proceeded to win 2 silver medals at the Enterprise World Championships in Zimbabwe and South Africa in 1993 and 1995 respectively. At the prestigious UK Enterprise Open Championships in 1997, Shakeel achieved what no Asian has by bringing home the silver medal. Shakeel was awarded Yachtsman of the Year in 1989 and 1995. Shakeel is the founder of the Indian Marine Federation (IMF).

For more information, please get in touch with
Prabhu Tony
Marketing Manager
9987681826