Hyderabad: Monsoon regatta from today

Hyderabad: All is set for the 37th edition of the Hyderabad Sailing Week that gets underway at the Hussainsagar Lake in the center of the city on Wednesday.

Sailors from 11 clubs across the country geared up for the main event with a practice race on Tuesday, after the opening ceremony of the event was held at the Secunderabad Sailing Club (SSC). So far, 89 sailors have registered for the Laser National Championship which will be held in three categories — ILCA7 (for men), ILCA6 (for women) and ILCA4 (for boys and girls). There are 11 women in the fray while Telangana is represented by 17 sailors.

There was a buzz around the lake with sailors discussing the race course pattern and tuning up their boats for the big day.

The wind conditions are fair in the coming days, which should throw up interesting races.

“I have been sailing for six years and have participated in the Asian Championship and bagged the fourth place in 2022, I’m now gearing up for the World Championship in Greece.

A sailor has to be mentally prepared, conserve energy and study the wind patterns before entering the water,” said Adhvait Menon (17) from INWAC Goa.

The competitors were also briefed by the Protest and Race Committees regarding penalties, safety and rules. The organisers have also put together a team of trained officials, the army, a police team and divers to ensure the regattas function smoothly.

“The colourful sails of the boats at Hussainsagar is a sight no other city can provide. It is the nursery of sailing and produces many successful sailors.

EME, The Laser Class Association and the SSC have been spearheading this event for 37 years,” Chief Guest Lt J. S. Sidana said at the Opening ceremony which was co-hosted by Secunderabad Club president R. Rahguram Reddy.

“The 37th year of the Hyderabad Sailing Week is quite prestigious. We must ensure that we clean the water body so that we host not only national but international events,” said Col Satish Kanwar, the jury chairman.