Meet the Team
At 24Seven Sailing, our coaching team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings years of experience, unparalleled expertise, and a passion for nurturing young talent. More than just technical instructors, our coaches are mentors who inspire confidence, resilience, and a love for the sport. They believe in creating a supportive, fun, and challenging environment where every sailor—regardless of skill level—can thrive.
Chief Coach
Umesh Naiksatam
Umesh is an accomplished sailing coach and former Team India coach. He was a part of the 2014 Asian Games coaching team.
Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, Umesh excels at working with young sailors, making him one of the most successful junior coaches in India. His ability to connect with kids and foster a love for sailing has earned him a stellar reputation. Umesh's dedication and expertise have made significant contributions to the development of the next generation of sailors.
Umesh has the rare ability to read the race course from the coach boat like no other and this enables the sailor to learn about the finer aspects of competitive racing.
Umesh has trained several sailors at the international level in multiple classes and is determined to lead the 24Seven Charge to excellence in the sport of sailing.
His work ethic, commitment and discipline are inspirational not just to the sailors he coaches but to us all!
Coach
Himali Lambture
Meet Coach Himali, a passionate sailor and dedicated mentor at 24Seven Sailing. With a background as a Biotechnology Engineer, Himali brings both technical precision and a caring approach to her coaching. She has sailed across a variety of boats, including the Optimist, Enterprise, and 470, building years of experience on the water.
An empath at heart, Himali loves spending time with young sailors, connecting with them on a personal level while ensuring they feel safe and supported. Her commitment to safety is matched by her enthusiasm for nurturing the next generation of sailors, making her a trusted guide both on and off the water.
But Himali's achievements don’t stop at sailing. She is also a state-level medalist in Taekwondo and a university-level silver medalist in swimming, reflecting her diverse athletic abilities and disciplined mindset. Her blend of empathy, experience, and energy makes her an inspiring role model for everyone she coaches!
Coach
Abhishek Lanjekar
Abhishek is a passionate sailing Coach. He started sailing at the age of 12 in the International Optimist class sailboat. He has trained sailors for over a decade and been invited to various places like National Defence Academy for coaching. His other hobbies are Trekking, Windsurfing, reading books.
Coach
Himanshu Chaurasia
Himanshu is a dedicated sailing coach with a rich background in competitive sailing. As a young sailor, he competed in the International Optimist class, achieving an impressive 5th place in the Nationals. He also has a strong academic background, holding a degree in Computer Science Engineering. His technical skills are complemented by a gold medal in the National Mathematics Olympiad 2012. In his free time, he enjoys sailing, reading books, and riding bikes, blending a love for adventure with a passion for continuous learning.
Coach
Jigar Shah
Jigar is a dedicated sailing coach with extensive experience in training and leading teams for national and international events. With a deep passion for sailing, Jigar has honed coaching skills over the years, fostering both technical proficiency and a love for the sport in athletes. In addition to a successful coaching career, Jigar is a committed French teacher with six years of experience, bringing enthusiasm and expertise to the classroom. Jigar is also interested in calisthenics, enjoying the challenge and benefits of this fitness discipline.
Coach
Piyush Chavan
Piyush is a dedicated sailing coach with years of experience navigating the seas. His passion for sailing began at a young age and has grown into a deep understanding of the sport. With over a decade of coaching experience, Piyush has taught sailors of all levels. His approachable and patient teaching style makes learning enjoyable for everyone. Piyush believes sailing is a way of life, teaching discipline, resilience, and respect for the elements. His goal is to impart not only technical skills but also a deep appreciation for the sea.
Coach
Yash Jadhav
Yash Jadhav is a computer scientist and an avid sailor since his days as a Sea Cadet. Over the years, Yash has honed his skills in various classes of boats, including the Optimist, Cadet Class, Enterprise, J24, and O’pen Skiff. His enthusiasm for sailing and his deep knowledge of the sport shine through in every session, inspiring his students to push their limits and enjoy the thrill of the open water.
Yash’s positive energy and keen sense of engagement make him a favorite among young sailors. His passion for both teaching and learning ensures that students not only gain technical skills but also a love for the water, making him a valuable part of the 24Seven Sailing team.