KOCHI: Kochiites can hope for something innovative in the coming Onam days with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) planning to host a Yacht festival. Organised for the first time in the state, the festival is likely to see top class sailors from around the world.“We hope that this festival would help in the promotion of tourism in the district,” GCDA Chairman N Venugopal told City Express. The Yacht festival would be held in association with the Water and Sports Association. He said that a final decision on the festival would be taken at the earliest after having discussions with the people concerned.District Collector Sheik Pareeth who is entrusted with the festival said that they are expecting the participation of about 100 yachts. There would be a five-day sailing competition and sailors from abroad are also expected.He also added participants from Kerala would be given training on sailing technique in Kochi. “The yacht festival aims at implementing a strong strategy to promote tourism culture in Kochi. This project would be set in a way which benefits entire Kochiites,” said Sheikh Pareeth. “The initiative to start sailing competitions in Kochi is appreciative since it is considered as one of the prestigious competitions all over the world. Though Tamils don’t have back water facilities they conduct yacht sailing competitions within their limitations,” he said.Cultural programmes will also be conducted as part of the festival, the collector said.
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