Hyderabad, Feb. 21 -- By A. Joseph Antony

If the sixties laid the foundations and the eighties consolidated EMESA's endeavours to place inland sailing on a firm footing, the new millennium saw it scale new heights in terms of facilities and infrastructure.

The quality of its manpower too touched world standards, not far behind some of its sailors who shone in international competition.Although theEME Sailing Association (EMESA)has off-site centres in Chennai, Bhopal, Mumbai and Goa, the jewel in its crown should be Secunderabad and not without reason. A recent innovation here is a metallic Mexican style stack that can house 42 boats, hulls, sails et al.

A mechanical fork-lifter can help a sailor hoist his equipment all by himself. "The...