Sailing Nationals postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL) officials decided to postpone its National Sailing Championship which was to christen on sea waters off the shores of Panadura yesterday. A fortnight ago the YASL officials were in high glee to hold its top copetition being held at where it really belongs, on the sea. If the competition started yesterday as planned, then it would have been historical for reaching the sea for the very first time, but according to its officials they had to bow down to the weather.
“We regret to inform that due to the inclement weather prevailing in the country, the Race Committee of YASL have been forced to postpone the Sailing Nationals 2012 which was scheduled to be held on November 3 and 4 at Panadura Fishery Harbours Corporation. The high tide, heavy rains, winds and the stormy conditions in the sea and on the land compelled us to take this decision considering the safety of the boats and as well as the sailors,” Sarath Kuragama, the Administrative Officer of YASL said responding to a query made by the Sunday Times.
Traditionally this competition has been held on the waters of Bolgoda Lake, not so far from the projected location, but according to YASL official Asanka Goonawardena they were on the verge of moving towards ideal surroundings. Goonawardena went on to say that since international competitions are being held on the seas, this will be an ideal opportunity for the local competitors to experience a glimpse of how a major international competitions is with several on the cards.
“Our national championships have been held on inland waters and 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 last week, days before the stormy weather conditions doomed many parts of the island and the coastal belt.
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus