Sri Lanka’s junior national sailing team left for the prestigious IODA Asian and Oceanian Championship to be held in Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong from December 29 to January 5.
Representing Sri Lanka this year are three girls Laila Hazari (Methodist College), Sohanya de Mel (Ladies’ College) and McKaella Karunaratne (Ladies’ College) and seven boys Kevaan de Costa (Royal College), Minuga Hettigamage (Royal College), A. Luqmaan Aneeq (Royal College), Binal Perera (Royal College), Randira Hangarangoda (Royal College), Haren Wickramatillake (S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia) and Akaine Ubayasiri (S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia).
Arguably one of the world’s toughest Optimist sailing races, this year’s course is set to test the competitors’ skills, techniques and endurance while facing gruelling six hour stretches on sea, with high winds and cold waters expected at Clear Waterbay this year.
The sport, aptly named Chess on Water, is expected to challenge Sri Lankan sailors who will have to tackle unpredictable wind shifts in unfamiliar conditions. Tension, the fight for medals and mounting pressure as the days proceed while keeping calm on water would be the sailors’ most daunting challenge.
The week-long sailing championship will witness 133 competitors from 20 countries vying for the IODA Perpetual Trophy and the Sri Lankan team will compete against top sailors from around the world including world champions.
Hong Kong, USA, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, China, India, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE are expected to participate this year.
“Sri Lankan sailors have been doing well at various international events despite limited resources and lack of sea training venues and we are confident these young sailors will once again compete to bring glory to the country,” said Sarath Kuragama, Chief Operating Officer of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka. (YASL)
The team was selected following races conducted in September by YASL and approved by both the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education. Since the selections, the sailors have been training under the National sailing coach Krishan Janaka and Laser national coach Roshil Nisantha, at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club and the Crow Island Navy base.
“This young team has been completely committed and trained hard, juggling exams and facing extreme weather conditions. I am certain they will perform well in Hong Kong.
“We are indebted to the Navy for providing us with a sea venue and assistance and hope to bring a medal home this year,” said coach Janaka.
The event is the continental championship for Asian and Oceanian nation members of the International Optimist Dinghy Association, which oversees the fundamental class in the world of sailing for the 7–15-year age group.
Sri Lanka has been fielding sailors for the championship since 1994.
