YASL moves to the sea
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL) will be a contended governing body when they get the opportunity to conduct the annual National Sailing Championship on the seas for the first time in history.
As related by YASL official Asanka Goonawardena, they will be delighted to host the competition on November 3 and 4 with the boats being launched from the Fisheries Harbour in Panadura.
Traditionally this competition was held on the waters of Bolgoda Lake, not so far from the projected location but according to Goonawardena they are moving towards ideal surroundings. Goonawardena went on to say that since international competitions are being held on the seas, this will give the local competitors a glimpse of experience with major international competitions on cards.
“Our national championships have been held on inland waters until now. Moving this competition to where it really belongs, is the need of the hour. We have been longing for this change for a long time and this is just an initiative among many developments,” he said, further pointing out that the YASL is on the verge of moving to a premises near sea waters.
YASL official Joseph Kenny, who also headed the governing body at a time, revealed that Sri Lanka Navy who made their way into sailing and yachting have brought a lot of positive changes to the sport. He further went on to say that YASL is planning to move near the seas of Uswetakeiyawa in Wattala, next to a naval base with a two-fold intention.
“By holding a tournament of the magnitude of the Sailing Nationals on the seas, we hope to attract more youngsters into the sport. In addition Sri Lanka Navy has assured their support to us as we intend to spread this sport in other parts of the country, to draw potential talent from the rural areas,” Kenny said.
This year’s Sailing Nationals will feature 40 to 50 boats in all four categories, namely, Optimist, Enterprise, GP14 and Lazer. Goonawardena elaborated on the events that are listing on both days.
“The Optimist category is for those under 15 years of age, especially the kids. The Lazer is for those who are in their late teens and the twenties, and this event is becoming very popular in Sri Lanka. Both Optimist and Lazer boats have only a single sail each, and is sailed only by a helm. The Enterprise and the GP14 class boats have two sails each, a mainsail and a jib. Each boat class will take part in six races and from there the best four results will be counted towards the final score. End of the day this calculation will determine the champion of each boat class,” Goonawardena explained.
On the first day of the competition, the Optimist class set sail in its first three races from 10.00am. From 1.00pm the first three races each from the classes, Lazer, Enterprise and GP14 set sail followed. Wind Surfing competitions which will be conducted in two categories, below 70kgs and above 70kgs. On Sunday, the competition will begin with the Optimist class completing its remaining three races. The remaining three races of Lazer, Enterprise, GP14 and Wind Surfing will be held from 11.30am. For the first time in its history YASL will display an Open Jet Ski event and a Kite Surfing competition beginning from 2.00pm, but according to Goonawardena it will be in an exhibition level with intentions of promoting these sports.
“All competitions will be held close to shore, so spectators will be able to witness the happenings. Five sailing clubs have been registered for the competition and additionally we have two clubs from Kalpitiya who have applied for Kite Surfing. This is a good development at a time we are targeting on popularising these sports in the island. The Commander of Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage will be the chief guest at the awards ceremony.”
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