Euro Regatta - Prmukshi and Allison triumph

Richard Dwight

The Bolgoda Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, has through the years proved to be a popular venue for many a regatta and yet other competitive sailing events.

Evidence of this was seen at last Sunday’s Euro Regatta, where much that was good flowed amidst a very hospitable environment - within which the contest progressed. There were 2 races one of which was the Junior ‘Optimist’ race for those under-16 years and the other was for adults.

The wind strength though not adequately strong at the outset, improved later on for the sails to catch it. The junior race with 12 ‘Optimist’ boats sailed, on a ‘90 Minute’ course under clear blue skies and bright sunshine over a placid still lake, which made conditions really warm.

The courage and the determination of the youngsters had to be seen to be admired. Coming up on top of the junior, were the Maher’s Allison and Thomas followed by the promising youngster Dimitri Goonewardena.

The senior race had 15 boats each with helm and crew that competed on an identical course to that of the juniors. Pramukshi Kariyawasam, who is making a name for herself in sailing, did well as helm along with veteran Joseph Kenny as crew, to outdo the others and win. The awards ceremony was conducted by Hans Svendsen, who was the officer of the day, whilst the Assistant Attache European Union, Edith Neururer, the chief guest gave away the prizes.

Results: Optimist (Junior Race)

1st Allison Maher

2nd Thomas Maher

3rd Dimitri Goonewardena

4th Joshua Karpinsky

5th Kimberly Karpinsky

6th Alexandra Karpinsky

Senior Fleet Race

1. Pramukshi Kariyawasam (Helm) & Joseph Kenny (Crew)

2. Karel Van Look (Helm) & Haakan Jonansson (Crew)

3. Steve Giffin (Helm) & Kylie Giffin (Crew)

4. Mohan Balasuriya (Helm) & Damien De Mel (Crew)

5. Frank Biesterveld (Helm) & Cecile Biesterveld (Crew)

6. Hans Svendsen (Helm) & Henrik Mortensen (Crew)