The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has proposed a comprehensive sailing development programme aimed at introducing school children of the islands to the eco-friendly sport of sailing and creating a pathway from basic training to national-level competition.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Andaman Nicobar Sailing Club (ANSC). In the first phase, training will be offered to school children in the age group of 7–14 years, providing them an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing.
The training is scheduled to be conducted during May and June 2026, with each batch comprising 10–15 participants and covering approximately 100 children in total. Each batch will undergo a one-week training programme, and certificates will be issued to all participants upon successful completion. The exact date of commencement will be notified separately.
Interested children may apply through an online Google Form accessible via the QR code provided in the official notification or submit their applications through their respective school principals to the Director (Education). The last date for submission of applications is April 20, 2026. Selection will be made strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programme will be offered free of cost and aims to identify and nurture young sailing talent in the islands. Based on performance during the initial training, 10–15 promising candidates will be shortlisted for an advanced training programme of approximately two years, designed to prepare them for participation in national-level competitions.
In addition to student training, ANIIDCO has proposed to select 10 candidates with a minimum qualification of Class 12 and basic knowledge of water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and swimming for a Sailing Instructor training programme. This programme will be conducted over a period of three months by certified instructors from the Yachting Association of India (YAI). Upon successful completion, two candidates will be engaged as Assistant Sailing Instructors/Boatmen at the Sri Vijaya Puram Sailing Club.
The sailing programme will be conducted at the Water Sports Complex, Aberdeen Bazaar, Sri Vijaya Puram. ANIIDCO has also outlined plans to develop common infrastructure facilities to support and promote sailing activities in the islands. These include designated berthing spaces for small sailing boats and yachts, equipment storage areas, boat handling and launching facilities, and other essential support services. The proposed infrastructure is expected to facilitate participation by private individuals and promote regulated leisure sailing activities.
Further, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is in the process of finalising a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the registration of non-mechanised sailing boats, which will help streamline and regulate sailing activities in the region.
Officials noted that with its favourable wind conditions, pristine waters, and scenic island geography, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold strong potential to emerge as a premier destination for leisure sailing, yacht tourism, and sailing regattas. Promotion of sailing activities is expected to diversify the tourism sector, attract high-value marine and adventure tourism, and position the islands as a unique sailing destination in the Indian Ocean region, while ensuring sustainability and environmental conservation.
For further information or queries, applicants may contact Agnel Sebastian at 03192-232098 or email at aniidco@and.nic.in.
