Sailing Nationals 2012 in Panadura:

Sri Lanka Navy dominates

The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka conducted the Sailing Nationals 2012 in Panadura recently.

This was the very first time such nationals were held in the sea. Windsurfing was also added to the nationals this year.

The wind conditions tested the skills of all participants, on 1st day it was medium to light winds which required a lot of patience. On the second day it was a perfect strong wind conditions with wind strength gusting 15-20 knots with rolling waves of 6-9 feet, this tested the sailors skills to push their mind and body to the limit and sail on the edge of survival, one mistake would result in capsizing and we did experience few capsizes as well. Jet skiers and Kite surfers entertained the spectators with an exhibition performance at the closing ceremony of the event.

The races were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy and the sponsors Messrs, Bartleet Transcapital and Tech Tools Integrators.

Final results -

Optimist Event

Winner: Joshua Jayaratne (Colombo International School)
Runner up: Jeremy De Mel (Lyceum International, Wattala)

2nd Runner up: Akhil Jayawardena (The British School)

Laser 4.7

Winner: Dinouk Goonewardena (The British School)

Laser Radial

Winner: L: P. D. D. S. Rajapakse (Sri Lanka Navy)
Runner up: E. B. H. A.Eranga (Sri Lanka Navy)

Laser Standard

Winner: K.W.G.S. Bandara (Sri Lanka Navy)

GP 14 Event

Winner: W. A. R. Nishantha and N.G.M.U. Ghanawardene (Sri Lanka Navy)
Runner up: Dimitri Goonewardena and R.P.I. Pushpakumara (Ceylon Motor Yacht Club)

2nd Runner up: W.M.C. Marambe and B. M. M. Bandara (Sri Lanka Navy)

Enterprise Class

Winner: J.M.P.L. Jayasuriya and A.P.S.K. Soysa (Sri Lanka Navy)
Runner up: K. V. N. Dimal and C. K. Seneratne (Sri Lanka Navy)

2nd Runner up: J. H. T. C. Appuhamy and K.C. Soysa (Sri Lanka Navy)

Wind surfing

Winner: Chameera Gunawardena (Sri Lanka Navy)
Runner up: Priyantha Gunawardene (Sri Lanka Navy)

2nd Runner up: Patum Nishantha (Sri Lanka Navy)