Sailors warm up for big event

Hyderabad: Ending a year-long wait for the enchanting sight of colourful sails, the prestigious annual national event 'Hyderabad Sailing Week' is all set for sailing and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad will be witness to the most competitive race in the backdrop of the Hussain Sagar from July 2 to 7.

The Multiclass National Ranking Sailing Championship at the Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, is now in its 34th year and is accredited by the Yachting Association of India(YAI). Over the years, the event has become big attraction for locals and tourist alike.

Telangana State students Sanjay, Ajay, Saurabh, Ashwini and Kirti will be participating in Laser 407 category and many other young sailors will be taking part in various other classes in the week-long event in which over 200 sailors from all over the country will vie for the top honours.

Under the save environment campaign a Green Brigade walkathon will be also be conducted for school children to include the spirit of "FIT HYDERABAD & CLEAN HYDERABAD".

As a precursor to the main event a National Sailing Coaching Camp was conducted from June 10 to 30 under the guidance and supervision of top coaches to ensure effective coaching to the sailors.

Last year the camp was held from June 16, but this year the camp days were increased by starting the camp on June 10.

For the first time, the Laser Class Association of India along with EME Sailing Association conducted a special coaching camp from June 20 under a foreign coach. A National Judges Seminar was also conducted on June 28 and 29.

ESL Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States will be the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony to be conducted on July 2 and many senior Army and government officials are likely to grace the occasion with their presence.

Major General TSA Narayanan, Vice Commodore, EME Sailing Association said "Hyderabad is a popular destination for the sailing in the country.

The wind conditions in June–July are most favourable in the Hussain Sagar Lake to hone the skills in boat handling and understanding wind shifts.

"This is a landmark year for the EME Sailing Association as this year the event has been accredited as the YAI National Ranking event where in the performance of the sailors will be ranked, which will give them points for selection into National Team.

The eco friendly sport is getting popular day by day and over two hundred sailors from all over the country are expected to participate in this event this year".

The Honorary Secretary, EME Sailing Association vowed that the event will see the biggest congregation of sailors in the country and the series of events are being planned for making Hyderabad Sailing Week-2019 a huge 'Festival of Sails' for the twin cities.