Akshan retains world's enterprise youth sailing title

Richard Dwight

Sailing: Akshan Jirasinha, the 17 year old talented yachtsman displayed much potential as an up and coming sailor, when on the Negombo seas in the postponed 2005 World's 'Enterprise' Sailing Championship held in February this year - sailed away to be right on top, to become the world's, 'Enterprise' Youth Sailing Champion.

Akshan, to prove that this was not just a flash in the pan victory, did exceptionally well to live upto his promise, to successfully defend and retain the world's 'Enterprise' Youth Sailing title at the August 2006 World's Sailing Championship held in Cornwall, England. This was indeed a commendable feat for the youngster which did him proud and the country as well.

Equally significant it is, that amidst a fray of 113 world-wide competitors, comprising seniors and juniors - Akshan, apart from being 2006 youth 'Enterprise' Sailing Champion, was placed 25th in the overall results. This does augur well for Akshan's future as a sailor, provided he maintains the enthusiasm and zest for the sport, that he has come to love.

Preceding, the 'Enterprise' World Sailing Championship that was held in the first week of August at Cornwall UK, Akshan spent almost the entire month of July in North Wales following an extensive training and coaching programme in sailing, under the direction and guidance of top notch coaches in Ben Todd, R. Josh, Richard Estaugh and yet others - which did also include a week's stint of training at the Plas Menai National Water Sports Centre managed by Alan Williams.

Incidentally Williams is a world famed sailing coach, who 4 years ago trained and coached a group of Sri Lankan youngsters that included Akshan, at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, Bolgoda.

Akshan's fondness for sailing does not come as a surprise to followers of this sport - for the reason that he hails from a sailing family. His father, Lalin Jirasinha, a sailing stalwart, represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics and is an Asian Games Bronze Medallist, while his sister Radhika is a keen competitor at many a local sailing meet and, his mother is a staunch supporter and follower of the sport.

Akshan had his preliminary education at the Kollupitiya St. Thomas' Preparatory School, and is currently in the lower sixth form of Asian International. His enthusiasm for sailing began at the tender age of 11 and, ever since then he has steadily progressed to win many a race at both the Junior as well as the Senior category in the domestic sailing scene. Who knows, he may make the Sri Lanka sailing team, for the Asian Games to be held in December, here's wishing him all the best.