World Cup sailing and cricket:

Memories are made of this

Richard Dwight

Even before Sri Lanka could get into its stride in 2011, Sri Lanka cricket has however made a significant start by partly hosting a few matches of the World Cup cricket.

That's not all, for the world body of sailing has sprung a surprise in that the 'GP14' world sailing body will hold its world sailing championship in February on the Sri Lankan Negombo waters.

Apart from being a surprise, it will also be historic in that it is for the first time that it is being held outside European waters.

It must not be overlooked that these two great events, takes place during times of peace. It will boost the morale of the country to lift its image and, give a sense of well-being all round as well.

Much is being said and will continue to be said of the cricket World Cup, but our intention here is to dwell on the historic "GP14" World Sailing Championship on the pleasant waters of Negombo from 19-25 February with the host hotel being the 'Beach.' Holding a prestigious sailing event here, arises from the recognition and appreciation by the world sailing body of the administrative and organizing ability of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, with the assistance of the Navy.

Addressing a media conference last week the President of the YASL, Joseph Kenny, said that Sri Lanka will host its first ever GP14 sail boat world championships from the 19-25 February.

He explained that the UK Built GP14 is Sri Lanka's most widely sailed class of sail boat. The GP14 is the official class of the Ceylon Motor Yacht club and races of the club fleet are held every Sunday of the year at Bolgoda.

This major event is being organised by the YASL, with the assistance of the Ministry of Sports and the Sri Lanka Navy. The main sponsor is DHL Ltd. the Gold sponsor is Sri Lanka Telecom, the Silver sponsors are Metropolitan Ltd, Jetwing Hotels Ltd, North Sails Ltd and Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau and yet others.

The former Bronze medallist Lalin Jirasinha, who is the principal race officer said that clearance has been got for the course to compete without let or hindrance. According to him followers of the race from the shore will not be able to catch the action of boats manoeuvring or negotiating to forge ahead.

The international Jury will be Motilal. There will be 40 boats (each sailed by two persons, a helm and crew) representing 10 countries. The scheduled program is Saturday February 19 opening ceremony, Sunday 20 practice race, Monday 21 Race 1 and 2, Tuesday 22 Race 3 and 4, Wednesday rest day, Thursday 24 Race 5 and 6, Friday 25 Race 7 and 8.

They will race in 3 categories viz Gold, Silver and Bronze. The sailor who aggregates the lowest number of positions/points, will be declared the champion and the others will follow. The sailors will compete in 3 categories viz, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The officials and the media could catch the action from the provided speed boats.