Akshan excels at Sailing Nationals

BY RICHARD Dwight

WITH clear blue skies and pleasant, bright sunshine prevailing, the Janashakthi sponsored sailing nationals was brought to a successful close yesterday, at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club (CMYC) Bolgoda with the Managing Director, Janashakthi Ramesh Schaffter, promising to sponsor the event up to 2010.

The Nationals turned out to be memorable for 16 year old Askhan Jirasinha (helm) of S. Thomas preparatory school, who along with J.M.L. Jayasooriya (crew) of the Navy won the sailing event for the 'Enterprise' class of boats.

The victory is significant in that Akshan could lay claims to be the youngest ever to take part in the world 'Enterprise' sailing championships to be held in Negombo next year.

Akshan together with Jayasooriya did well in the six races held between Saturday and Sunday, tilting the sails to catch the wind with much tacking and planing to win ahead of the others.

In the GP14 class of boats the consistent Anil and Michelle Gunawardena took the top spot, while in the Laser category H. Ernst came first with N.G.M.M. Ghanawardana as runner up.

In the 'Optimist' class for juniors, Viren Dias of Colombo International school did extremely well to win the race, with Radheeka Jirasinha coming second.

The YASL under the Presidency of Joseph Kenny, with assistance from former President Ananda Wimaladharma, race officer Per Svendsen, Media co-ordinator, Hans Svendsen and main organiser Gail Fraser worked towards the success of the Nationals.

The proceedings were steered by Jeremy Bolling the prizes were distributed by Mr. and Mrs. Ramesh Schaffter and Mrs. Gail Fraser.

Results

GP 14 - 1. Anil & Michelle Gunawardena, 2. Duncan & Gail Fraser, 3. Joseph Kenny & Pramukthi.

Laser - 1. H. Ernst, 2. N. G. M. M. Ghanawardane, 3. W. P. U. S. Kumara.

Enterprise - 1. Akshan Jirasinha (S. Thomas' Preparatory School) & J. M. P. L. Jayasooriya, 2. Lalin Jirasinha & T. Dhanushka, 3. S. Nishantha & T. Appuhamy.

Optimist - 1. Viren Dias (Colombo International School), 2. Radheeka Jirasinha, 3. Sasha Gunewardena. Master's Event - Beverley & Hans Svendsen. Family Event - David Collins & Son