INS Venduruthy Wins Navy Boat Race : Feb 7, 2009

The entire Naval community at Kochi turned out in huge numbers to witness and cheer their favourite team for the Annual Boat pulling Regatta. The races conducted at the Ernakulam channel, had teams from all the Naval units of Kochi participating. Races were held in six categories with each team having a crew of six including a helmsman. The traditional Naval boats –the 27- feet 'Whalers' were used for the event. The total distance for the entire course was 1.7 Km. INS Venduruthy "B" team comprising of young trainees from Signal School and the Navigation Direction School, won the prestigious "Cock" -the championship trophy for the overall winners. Not surprisingly, the same team won the overall sports trophy – the Godavari trophy and the most spirited team trophy.

VAdm Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, was the Chief Guest and distributed the trophies for the winners. The Admiral while addressing the gathering complimented them for the tremendous spirit shown and reminded them that the boat pulling race had special significance for Navies all over the world, as it is a water sport where only "pulling together" can win the race. The Seamanship School of the Naval Base conducted the Pulling Regatta.

PHOTO CAPTION

Photo Caption 1 &2 VAdm Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding-inChief, Southern Naval Command, presenting the Boat Pulling Regatta trophy

'The Cock'- to the winners INS Venduruthy "B" team.

Photocaption 3. A Boat race in progress at the Pulling Regatta 2009 held at the Naval Base, Kochi