1.     Twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad witnessed one of the most enthralling and challenging National sailing events, “The 26th Laser National Sailing Championship-2011”, conducted from 24 to 31 Jul 2011 at the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake. The Championship was organized jointly by the EME Sailing Association and the Secunderabad Club.

2.     The Laser National Championships are being conducted regularly since the year 1986 by the Laser Class Association of India (LCAI). The Association had also successfully conducted the Asia Pacific Laser International Championship in May 2001 at Hyderabad.

 
3.     This Championship put to test not only the mettle, grit and skills of the sailors, but also their physical fitness, endurance and mental robustness against the elements of the nature i.e. Water and Wind. During the Sailing Week, ace yatchsmen of the country displayed their utmost zeal, hard work and determination to give their best in the keenly contested races. The Championship had also provided an excellent opportunity to the young and amateur participants to gain valuable experience by sailing alongside experienced star sailors of the country. The Championship started amidst some rough weather and strong winds (averaging 12-15 Knots) but subsequently the nature had to bow down against the enthusiasm and high spirits of the participants. The weather during the Sailing week remained pleasant and favourable for most of the time.

4.     At this year’s championship, the Laser Class Association of India received 107 entries in three various categories with 31 entries in the Laser Std, 47 entries in the Laser Radial and 29 entries in the Laser 4.7. Among the 107 participants, 22 were budding sailors, the future of Laser Sailing.

5. The Championship was conducted under the supervision of officials of international repute. The Protest Committee was chaired by Brig (Retd) Jagdish Singh, who is a well-known figure in the International Sailing fraternity and is a renowned International Judge.

6.     “The Laser National Sailing Championship” and “The Hyderabad Sailing Week” from 24 to 31 Jul 2011 culminated in a grand Closing Ceremony at the Secunderabad Club Sailing Annexe on 31 Jul 2011.

7.     The Chief Guest, during his address commended the performance of the participants and lauded the efforts of the organizers for the successful conduct of this National Sailing event. The ceremony was later declared closed on an inspiring note by Lt Gen N B Singh, AVSM, VSM, President of LCAI & Patron of EMESA.