8th Royal-Thomian Sailing Regatta comes to an exciting end
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S. Thomas’ sailing group
As the sailing community eagerly anticipated the 8th Annual Royal-Thomian Sailing Regatta that took place on October 4 and 5, Bolgoda Lake once again became the battlefield of choice for the longstanding rivalry between traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College and Royal College. This competition promised an exhilarating spectacle for sailing enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
The regatta, a highlight in the maritime calendar, brought to display the skills and strategies of our young sailors in various categories, including the fiercely contested Optimist and Laser classes. Sailors from both teams, seasoned competitors and emerging talents, geared up to navigate Bolgoda Lake’s challenging waters. The stakes were high as S. Thomas’, having clinched victory in six out of the previous of seven regattas, aimed to maintain their sailing supremacy. On the flip side, Royal, was determined to break their opponent’s winning streak, intensifying this age-old rivalry.
The regatta was not only an expression of sailing excellence but also a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. The Royal-Thomian spirit and friendly rivalry were encompassed in the Ranil Dias Memorial Trophy presented to the overall winner. A tribute to the outstanding sportsman and true gentleman, the late Ranil Dias, who had won his school colors in swimming, water polo and rowing and represented Sri Lanka in rowing and water polo earning national colours in both sports. He went on to excel in yachting, being chosen to represent our nation at the Asian Yachting Regatta held in Bombay in 1981, the Asian Games in 1982 and 1986, and the prestigious Olympics Games in Los Angeles in 1984, showcasing Sri Lanka’s sailing prowess at the highest stage for any sportsman.
Drawing spectators from near and far, the event aimed to unite sailing enthusiasts and the local community in a shared passion for the sport. If the previous editions were anything to go by, this had become more than just a competition and morphed into a testament to the dedication and skill of the sailors, celebrating the rich maritime heritage of these prestigious institutions. This year’s regatta was proudly sponsored by Future Fibres for the third consecutive time, emphasising their commitment to fostering the growth of sailing in the region. The FF logo graced the event, symbolising the union of corporate support and sporting excellence. Future Fibres is part of the North Sails group and is the leading global composite rigging solutions, a company also pushing for excellence in performance and a mainstay in the international sailing community.
Now, after the conclusion of the event, it’s time to recap the exciting results. This year’s sailors competed for the Future Fibres trophies for Best Sailor in both Optimist and Laser classes, the Jeremy Bolling Trophy for the winners of the Optimist ‘A’ team, the Perera Challenge Trophy for the winners of the Optimist ‘B’ team, the Dr. Ray Wijewardene Trophy for the winners of the Laser ‘A’ team, and the Royal College Sailing Advisory Committee Challenge Trophy for the winners of the Laser ‘B’ team.
The Thomian Sailing Team dominated the laser category, securing all the trophies on offer at Bolgoda Lake. At the conclusion of all races, both teams finished on five points each. However, Royal clinched the Ranil Dias Memorial Trophy with the tie-breaker rule in their favour and emerged as the overall winners at the 8th Annual Royal-Thomian Sailing Regatta.
In individual recognitions, S. Thomas’ captain Shashenka Fernando was awarded the Best Laser Sailor, while Royal’s Kevaan de Costa was awarded Best Optimist Sailor. The competition concluded with thrilling battles, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of the young sailors from both S. Thomas’ and Royal. As the 8th Annual Royal-Thomian Sailing Regatta concluded, the sailing community, sponsors, and fans celebrated the exciting competition that unfolded on Bolgoda Lake. October 4 and 5, marked not just dates on the calendar but a memorable celebration of tradition, competition, and the indomitable spirit of sailing.