Storm enlivens Etihad Sailing Regatta

BY RICHARD Dwight

THE Etihad Airways sailing regatta held for the first time at Bolgoda Lake last weekend became a test of strength and stamina thanks to the heavy rains and gale-force winds that signalled the commencement of the southwest monsoon.

The main youth event, for the Optimist Class of sail boats helmed by under-16s, had to be abandoned owing to poor visibility resulting from the driving rain, and re-sailed in the afternoon, also in heavy weather.

Radhika Jirasinghe (Ladies College - Colombo) was the clear winner, with Indrajith Abesena (Lyceum International) and Viren Dias (CIS) coming in as 1st and 2nd runners-up. 15 boats in all sailed, with 8-year old Per Svendsen, the youngest member of the fleet, coming in for special praise for his grit in trying circumstances.

The "seniors' race", in which 25 boats of the GP-14, Enterprise and Laser classes participated, was won by Joseph Kenny, crewed for by Pramukshi Kariyawasam.

Anil Gunawardana, with his wife Michelle as crew came in 2nd, while W.P.K. Janaka, crewed for by W.M.C. Marambe from the Navy Sailing Club, was third runner-up. Lalin Jirasinha was Officer of the Day for both events, assisted by Anil Gunawardana.

Chief guest at the event, Kumar de Silva, Country Manager (Sri Lanka and Maldives) of Etihad Airways, giving away the prizes, praised the participants, especially in the youth class, for their courage.

Etihad recently sponsored a coaching camp for the youngsters by British National coach Alan Williams, who flew to Sri Lanka for the week-long event at Mt. Lavinia.

The team has been practising for the South Asian Yachting Regatta, billed to be held at Karachi in July, trying to improve on their performance last year, when they finished second.

Results:

Optimist Sailing Event (Under 16 years of age)

Optimist Boats on the water - 15

Winner - Radeeka Jirasinha (Ladies College)

1st Runner-up - Indrajith Abeysena (Lyceum International)

2nd Runner-up - Viren Dias (Colombo International)

Open Fleet Race

Boats on the water - 24

Winners - Joseph Kenny & Pramukshi Kariyawasam

1st Runner-up - Anil Gunawardene & Michelle Gunawardene

2nd Runner-up - W.P.K. Janaka & W.M.C. Marambe

Chief Guest - Kumar De Silva, Country Manager Etihad Airways