Panaji: Goa’s sailing fraternity had much to celebrate as siblings Katya and Dayne Coelho delivered a commanding performance at Sail India 2026 in Mumbai, clinching two gold medals in the iQFOiL category against the nation’s finest sailors at India’s largest sailing regatta.Over 150 sailors, 114 boats, and 14 classes showcased skill, strategy, and determination on the waves, as competitors jostled for a spot at the Asian Games later this year.In the iQFOiL women’s category, Katya was in a league of her own. Displaying consistency, tactical brilliance, and sheer dominance across the five-day event, she finished the regatta leading the fleet by an emphatic 11-point margin. Her performances throughout the 18-race series were marked by confident starts, clean execution, and a maturity that left little room for challenge, firmly establishing her supremacy in the women’s division.The iQFOiL men’s category witnessed intense competition, with Dayne facing sustained pressure from a strong contingent of Indian Army sailors, who worked strategically to cover and challenge him through the series.While the early stages saw closely fought races, Dayne rose to the occasion when it mattered most. On the final day, he delivered a standout performance, showcasing elite sportsmanship, tactical intelligence, and raw speed to outshine his rivals and seal the gold medal in style.The regatta featured over 100 boats across Olympic classes, unfolding over five demanding days and 18 high-intensity races.“With this triumph, Katya and Dayne have reinforced the state’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in Indian sailing and underlined their status among the country’s elite athletes,” said father Donald Coelho, a former national champion. “The children have been winning laurels for the state and country for more than a decade. The goal is to make it to the Asian Games in Japan, and my aim is to ensure that they remain on track.”
