Comments
Boating and sailing enthusiasts in Chennai could get a modern marina with facility to berth luxury yachts and leisure boats, with the Centre willing to consider a public-private partnership and the setting up of a sailing academy.
At a recent interaction the Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, had with the representatives of the corporate sector, Ashok R Thakkar, Chairman, Club & Sailing Development Committee, Yachting Association of India, suggested that major ports be encouraged to create marinas and submitted a representation for one in Chennai.
Long-pending demandThe Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, supported by the Yachting Association of India, the governing body for the sport, has been spearheading the demand for a modern marina for yachts and the establishment of a sailing academy in Chennai.
The Minister asked the association to send in a proposal if it is ready for PPP, Thakkar said.
Thakkar, who is the Vice Commodore, Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, told Business Line that there has been a long-pending demand for such modern facilities.
The association hopes to set up a marina within the Chennai Harbour and establish a world-class sailing academy in the vicinity.
The Tamil Nadu Sailing Association has formulated a concept plan to develop a universally accessible marina to accommodate about 30 recreational crafts of standard sizes, ranging from 30 to 80 feet in length, at the Timber Pond Basin.
Other proposalsFacilities for berthing and servicing yachts and pleasure crafts calling at Chennai, a full-fledged club house with amenities such as restaurant, swimming pool, gymnasium, and play area are also planned.
A Tamil Nadu Marina and National Sailing Centre for Excellence is also in the pipeline with the Tamil Nadu government allocating 2.75 acres land near the mouth of the Cooum for the facility. The Association hopes to enter into an agreement with the Sport Development Authority of Tamil Nadu to implement the sailing academy project.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.