By Shilpi Madan
The beginning of the year is always the epicentre of sailboat racing with PEAKLIFE Regatta marking the most hotly contested sailing competition at Arabian Sea lining Mumbai. This year was no different.
PEAKLIFE Regatta 2024 was a stunning celebration of the best, with a high wattage celebrity splash out, a sparkling sundowner in Alibag, a boho-chic strut on the Mandwa Jetty that turned as a 200 feet ramp for a fashion showcasing by designer Surily Goel, and a thrilling race at sea, the next day.
The 2024 edition of PEAKLIFE Regatta, presented by Samira Habitats in partnership with HSBC, New Orleans, SWISS, and ELE|NA played out as an elegant hum of luxury and adventure on the waters, with the participating teams vying for their championship titles.
The eve of the regatta brought in a lavish evening, marked by a laze and graze sundowner with colours in cocktails to match the setting sun, setting the mood for a weekend of toasting, and thrills. The DJ spun out edgy tracks to set the rhythm, and fashion design Surily Goel kickstarted the soiree with her splendid resort wear collection inspired by the soul of Alibag. Her signature tassels, mirrors, beads, lace, and eclectic trims set the ramp on the iconic Mandwa Jetty on fire. It was the first time the jetty got a glam makeover as a catwalk strip.
What’s sin city without a signature smattering of celebrities? Sophie Choudry, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor, Seema Sajdeh, Anil Agarwal, Yash and Avanti Birla, Prerna and Abhishek Kapoor, Shruti Seth, Danish Aslam, Kubbra Sait, Kailash and Aarti Surendranath, Malini Agarwal were seen toasting the evening as it thickened in the starry night filled with laughter and camaraderie, with Cyrus Sahukar at his wittiest best, playing the compere.
Boardwalk by Flamboyante, restaurateur Amrish Arora’s Alibag space, delighted in its spacious layout, and twin bars arranged cleverly across split levels. Delectable small plates in multiple cuisines levelled up to match a fabulous evening of sheer finesse.
The regatta gained momentum the following afternoon as all met at the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club to cheer each other before taking to the blue – some in luxury yachts with gourmet nibbles and coolers aboard; and others raring to conquer the waves in sailboats. Coming back to the iconic Gateway of India early evening was a sheer triumph and the jubilant teams clinched the trophies at the Yacht Club. The team boats of New Orleans, Samira Habitats, HSBC and SWISS competed with another 12 sail boats and post-race each face was a happy face – with the thrill and adrenaline rush.
Racy and rocking, PEAKLIFE Regatta 2024 raised the bar for a fast-paced competition at sea yet again this year with many firsts. Clearly #YouGottaRegattaWithPEAKLIFE next year!