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20 Asia-Pacific Boating March/April 2015 Asia-Pacific Boating March/April 2015 21

COVER STORY

In a sport dominated by men, Taramati Matiwade has carved a

niche for herself in sailing. Now, her new role as a yacht academy

administrator is empowering underprivileged young girls.

Lived however, mankind might have, in its misconception

that sailing the seas is a man’s domain, time and again,

women have shattered the illusion. History is littered

with examples of remarkable women who sailed as wives

aiding their seafaring husbands, or disguised as men. While

some women were notorious pirates who terrorised the

waters others have been famous explorers who discovered

unknown territories.

Taramati Matiwade’s story doesn’t have swashbuckling

buccaneers or mermaids. But it is an adventure in its

own. In a sport dominated by men, she is one of India’s

most successful competitive sailors. A ‘self-taught sailor’

Matiwade has been ranked Asia’s No. Two, six times and is

the winner of the Prime Minister Rally Certifi cate. Certifi ed

the 1st Indian woman Professional Yacht Master from the

Royal Yachting Association, United Kingdom, she holds

a Best Women World Ranking Match Race 87 and a Best

Open World Ranking Match Race 517. Th is is the tale of her

success as a solitary woman sailor in her own words, that

has served as quite the inspiration to so many.

IN A

LEAGUE

OF HER

OWN

Sailor.indd 20-21 07/03/15 12:57 pm