|
1st
Mobitel Colombo-Galle Regatta next month
The
inaugural Mobitel Colombo to Galle Sailing Regatta is
set to be the next big thing on the international dinghy
sailing calendar. This first time event is being held
over three days and will see elite sailors from around
the world entering the race that begins in Panadura
on December 12 continues along the coast and ends in
Galle on December 14. The race includes two overnight
stops in Bentota and Hikkaduwa and will see the sailors
battling for titles and positions as each day’s
racing progresses.
The regatta has attracted over 20 competitive boats
(40 entrants), which is a phenomenal number for a maiden
race. Set to sail for the first time offshore in Sri
Lanka is the 2006 World GP14 champion and 2007 UK National
GP14 champion - Richard Estaugh, who will be challenged
by some of Sri Lanka’s own dinghy sailing champions,
former Asian Games Bronze medallist Lalin Jirasinha,
current 2008 Sri Lankan National GP14 champion Devin
Goonawardena, as well as the Navy’s own 2008 Enterprise
Class National champion Janaka.
Local sailors have been flying the Sri Lankan flag high
overseas recently with 14 sailors representing the CMYC
in Wales UK at the 2008 World GP14 championships. Devin
Goonawardena and Jeremy Bolling gained 31st place in
the world rankings.
Organised by the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club (CMYC), the
regatta is open to two dinghy classes; the GP14 class,
and the Enterprise Class - both of which sail regularly
on Bolgoda Lake, Moratuwa every weekend. Local entrants
hail from Sri Lanka’s top three sailing Clubs –
Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, Royal Ceylon Yacht Club (RCYC)
and the Navy Sailing Club (NSC) and are sure to battle
fiercely to make a name for themselves in the history
books of this regatta.
“Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the top places
to sail for the international dinghy fraternity,”
states Renton de Alwis, chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
Bureau. “Sports Tourism is one of the key components
in our marketing strategy, attracting international
interest from adventure and leisure enthusiasts.”
Having already had huge success in hosting the 2005
Enterprise Championships in Negombo, where there were
over sixty boats entered from around the world, Sri
Lankan sailing bodies are now priming themselves for
the World GP14 Championships in 2010/11, to be held
in Negombo and may boast entrance of over 70 international
and national boats. With the immense success of these
events the Mobitel Colombo to Galle Regatta will soon
be known as one of Sri Lanka’s, if not the world’s,
premier offshore dinghy events.
Commenting on Mobitel’s involvement in this exciting
venture Mobitel’s chief executive officer, Suren
J. Amarasekera stated that the company is indeed honoured
to be a part of this event which is of national significance.
“Mobitel is indeed proud to spearhead this initial
tournament which would encourage and enhance interest
and participation in this sport locally and globally,”
he said. Events such as these promote Sri Lanka as an
ideal tourist destination, to avid sailors and others
alike. This tournament, while being the first of its
kind, will encourage the hosting of such events in the
country, thus providing a further boost in tourism figures.
The Mobitel Colombo to Galle Regatta 2008 has received
grateful assistance from over twenty hard working volunteers
and is being organised within international safety standards
and international dinghy class rules. Enormous support
has been offered to the event with backing and assistance
being offered by not only one of the main sailing clubs,
the Navy Sailing Club, but also by Sri Lankan Tourism
and the Sea Rescue Institution, and the event’s
main sponsor Mobitel.
|
