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| The Sailors |
This whole
record breaking attempt was prompted by the untimely death of Andrew ‘Bart’
Simpson in a training exercise for the America’s Cup. He was respected
worldwide for his sailing skills and support of sailing at all levels.
The Ceylon
Motor Yacht Club - CMYC, representing Sri Lanka, were proud to have 67 sailors
compete in Bart’s Bash on Sunday. Some sailed singlehanded, others with a pair
of helping hands, others for the first time & still more with varying
levels of sailing skill. Sixteen sailors from the Sri Lankan Navy sailed
Enterprises, GP14s and Laser Radials. Seventeen school children sailed in their
Optimist Class of boat, with representatives from St Thomas’ & Royal
College taking part, demonstrating a very high standard of sailing. Jeremy
Bolling who circumnavigated Sri Lanka in his sailboat – White Heron - earlier
this year, also took part in his GP14 as did Lalin Jirasinha – Asian Games
Bronze Medalist for Sri Lanka in his Waterwag, along with fellow members of
CMYC in GP14s, Lasers, Nacra 5.5 SL, Hobie 16 and Waterwag.
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| Riding the waves |
A lively WSW wind of 9-12 kts made for some very exciting
racing and a number of capsizes. Everyone emerged from Bolgoda Lake with broad
smiles and a lot of tales to tell. Support was
plentiful from the shore and clubhouse with music, food & enthusiastic
company completing an exhilarating day.
Sri Lanka was
an integral part of this Record Breaking attempt to gain an entry into the
Guinness Book of World Records. The challenge being to have the largest
International sail racing event ever held. CMYC signed up & participated in
this truly inspiring global event.
CMYC were honoured
to represent Sri Lanka and be a part of making history in the world of sailing
as well as starting something truly amazing in Bart's memory. Every individual,
be they competitor, volunteer, supporting relative or organiser came together
on Sunday and achieved an incredible goal, bonding the world of sailing across
continents and boat classes like never before.
Every one of
the competitors rocked the socks off the sailing world and Sri Lanka can be
truly proud to have been part of this incredible event. Out of 760 clubs across
67 countries and 19187 sailors the CMYC had 74 participants in 46 sailboats making
them the 47th most popular club in the world!! Well done to all involved.
CMYC Bart’s Bash winners:
First Club
members Captain Per Svendsen and Per Fredrick August Svendsen in Nacra 5.5 SL
Second Sri
Lankan Navy WAR Nisantha and NFMU Gunawardana in GP14
Third Club
members Anil Gunawardana and Michelle Gunawardana
Afterwards a
club fleet race was sailed for the Schoolchildren in their Optimists. And a
longer course navigated for three separate club fleet races of the larger boats
comprising Sri Lankan Navy in Enterprises and many sailors in Lasers and GP14s.
A splendiferous weekend was enjoyed by all at CMYC and the whole event provided
an invigorating boost to sailing in Sri Lanka.
Tags
Sri Lanka Events