30 pilots sail at Chennai Harbour to rejoice womens day

At the Spring Haven Wharf the place Chennai’s violent summer season solar has settled comfortably within the sky, a gaggle of pilots, accustomed to navigating the clouds, is making its strategy to J80 class sailboats (racing keelboats) on the Harbour, hoping to attempt their hand at controlling the waves.

For many, who’re nonetheless of their stiff white and blue uniform, it’s their first time onboard a sailboat. “I’ve lived in Chennai all my life however have by no means been to crusing within the sea,” says Amrita Ravindran. She is one amongst 30 pilots from Indigo making an attempt their hand at crusing, on the 112-year-old Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC), the oldest crusing membership in South India, as a part of the airways’ month-long Women’s Day celebrations.

“It is fairly exceptional how we’ve all been given an off on the identical day. My greatest draw to participate, was to satisfy all the opposite girls pilots from Chennai. Unlike company places of work, we solely get to satisfy our first officers and co-captains. It is good to satisfy the opposite pilots from the organisation for the primary time. Did you recognize that Indigo has the very best contingent of ladies pilots within the nation?” asks Shailaja Gopinath who has been flying since 1995.

The final time she was on a sailboat, Shailaja says that she was taking it gradual. This time, she is joyful to get her fingers soiled. Amrita provides that the concept of working in groups can also be sure to assist break the ice and convey the contingent nearer.

Honorary secretary of RMYC, Captain Vivek Shanbhag, says that the mechanics of flying and crusing will not be too completely different and provides that it’s often a cakewalk for pilots. “The aeroplane, just like the sailboat, doesn’t distinguish between a person and a girl,” he says.

At 11am, the group, armed with vibrant blue T-shirts and sun shades, leaves the wharf in 4 boats. In minutes, they get a lifetime provide of salty breeze and delicate waves lapping by their sailboats.