And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it: Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist.
The Hyderabad Sailing Week, held recently at Hussainsagar, was nothing short of a meticulous military operation. Manpower, expertise and equipment merged seamlessly in what was a near flawless endeavour. It was arena sailing of the highest kind, visible from all sides of the historic lake. Over 200 boats competing in 96 races, without major mishap or injury, bore testimony not just to the careful planning, but exemplary execution as well. Boats from eight classes crowded the carefully manicured shoreline of the EME Sailing Association (EMESA), awaiting turns to launch and swing into action each morning.
Yet, races began on time, officials and participants duly taking their designated places on the sprawling reservoir, over four centuries old. The biggest plus going for the event was the choice of efficient personnel to man the vital posts. Eminent ex-sailors such as retired brigadiers Jagdish Singh, an International Judge (IJ) and G.S. Julka served on the jury or sat on various committees.
Under the watchful eyes of Lt. Col. M.P. Jaggi (Retd.), Chairman, Race Committee, were Principal Race Officer Major Anand Bashkar, who was assisted by Race Officers Prakash Alexander and Srikanth Chaturvedi, all qualified to hold their positions with Yachting Association of India (YAI) certification. Their tasks were divided across fleets and the two courses, one a trapezoid and the other a windward-leeward loop. Clubbing fast boats such as the Finn with slower craft like the Enterprise and releasing them in staggered starts ensured there was no interference or collision. Egging the sailors on were some of the finest former sailors turned coaches such as Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, Jasvir Singh, P. Madhu, Shekhar Singh Yadav, BK Rout, Gajender Singh Chouhan and Nijeesh Bhaskaran.
Rising to the occasion
On shore, Beach Master Dilip Kumar Koliyad rose to the occasion, whatever the requirement, ranging from launch operations, quick-fire repairs or in rushing fuel to motor boats, his walkie-talkie set invariably crackling with life all the time. The Regatta Office compiled results with accuracy thanks to Manu Jayram, Ram Mohan and team. The ever enthusiastic Major Sahil Dua coordinated on and off-shore duties, such as organising the green brigade walk or the bike rally to raise awareness on the lake’s pollution.
Orchestrating the massive exercise at ground level was Lt. Col. Bhuwan Khare, Secretary, EMESA and the Laser Class Association of India (LCAI). Transforming concept to reality was a think-tank drawn largely from the sailing community itself, such as Vice-Commodore Major General Paramjit Singh, Rear Commodore Col. Atulya Bamzai with backing from Lt. General Agarwal, Commandant, MCEME. Secunderabad Sailing Club (SSC) Commodore Soma Pradyumna, a sailor himself, only strengthened the over quarter century bond between army and civilian authorities.
