By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 24: The 3rd North East Regatta is set to kick-start on Sunday at the Umiam Lake.
The five-day sailing competition from May 25-29 is being hosted at the Water Sports Complex by the Umiam Sailing Club, in collaboration with the Yachting Association of India.
It is backed by the state’s Department of Tourism.
This year’s edition promises a significant boost to regional water sports, drawing participation from 79 sailors representing nine sailing clubs from across India.
The participants will compete in five boat classes—Optimist, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, 420, and 29er—reflecting a mix of beginner and high-performance racing formats. The inclusion of double-handed boats such as the 420 and the 29er is a notable feature, highlighting the evolving technical standards and team-based sailing dynamics being nurtured in the region.
Set against the backdrop of pine forests and the placid blue waters of Umiam, the regatta is more than just a sports event—it is a celebration of youth engagement, environmental appreciation and regional sports development.
Through this initiative, the Department of Tourism seeks to position Umiam Lake as a premier water sports destination in India, leveraging the event to spotlight Meghalaya’s adventure tourism potential.
Apart from the intense competition on the water, the event also fosters community spirit and sportsmanship, with young sailors from diverse backgrounds converging to learn, compete and build lasting connections. The regatta is expected to attract locals, tourists and sports enthusiasts.
With its growing scale and professional organisation, the North East Regatta continues to cement its place on India’s national sailing calendar, and reaffirms Meghalaya’s commitment to nurturing a new wave of water sport talent from the region.
