Marinas to give strong boost to yachting in Sri Lanka
View(s):Yachting in Sri Lanka is about to get a strong boost with the establishment of Marinas to service this global pleasure sport. Sri Lankan entrepreneur Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa has teamed up with marina professional Simon Arrol and Sebastian Devonshire to launch Marina Lanka – a new company dedicated to servicing the pleasure boating industry.
“Sri Lanka is about to get a major boost in its pleasure boating industry,” said Mr. Rajapaksa in a statement issued by his company. “Although the port of Galle has for long been a port-of-call for yachtsmen from around the world, it has lacked the infrastructure and modern facilities. We plan to mobilise some of the best experience in the industry to give a major boost to yachting in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Picture shows from left - Marina Lanka directors, Simon Arrol, Sebastian Devonshire and Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa with Ministers Basil Rajapaksa (Economic Development) and Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana (Investment Promotion) and Pearl Properties director Eduard Hempel at the Marina Lanka stall.
Simon Arrol, Managing Director of Marina Lanka with experience of marina projects in 40 countries, noted that marinas are the infrastructure of the boating sector.
“Without marinas it is really very inconvenient to own and operate a boat. Not only does a marina provide a place to berth your boat safely, it also offers supporting services to help you maintain and service it. We intend to collaborate with BAFF (Build a Future Foundation) and with the BTI (Boat-Building Technology Improvement Institute) so that people can be trained in the necessary skills,” he said.
During the recent Commonwealth Business Forum in Colombo, the Marina Lanka exhibition stand had many distinguished visitors including delegates to CHOGM 2013 and Sri Lankan Ministers and officials, including Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa.
“There is also a very important and pleasurable social aspect to marinas,” Mr. Arrol said. “A well-designed marina should have a yacht club, or if not a formal yacht club then at least a lounge bar where yachtsmen can meet. As with most hobbies and sports, sailors love to gather together and swap stories, some believable and some less so!”
The veteran marina developer is keen to stress the importance of training. “Our plan is to operate a Yachting Academy where would-be boat owners and others can be trained in sailing, boat-handling, navigation and other skills.”
He said, “Not only is training important from a safety standpoint, but it will give people the confidence to make best use of their boats. This Academy will deploy the curricula of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) as their qualifications are recognised internationally.”