SAILING IN SRI LANKA

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an exquisite tropical island with a rich seafaring and fishing heritage.

Although times have been hard, to assist the islanders after the 2004 Tsunami, the Building A Future Foundation (BAFF) was created to help get people back on their feet. Rather than gift boats, it was decided to assist the Sri Lankan people in designing and making their own craft and providing a foundation to train local boat builders working to international standards.

Young people from around the island are offered places at the boat building college, working alongside skilled boat builders on an apprentice scheme. They study all aspects of boatbuilding including electronics, carpentry, metalworking, 3D printing, and yacht design on CAD.

The result is that Sri Lanka now has a thriving sailing industry for both tourism and manufacturing. Supply Chain challenges are minimised as the college produces much of the component parts themselves. When we visited the college we were shown the 3D printing workshop and also the sail loft which harmonises cutting-edge technology with traditional skills. The stainless steel workshop produces, rigging components and fittings, whilst the rope-making shop produces much of the running rigging for the sailboats.

Presently there is a fleet of ten charter boats ranging from fifty feet cruising sailing catamarans to the unique “Ocean Diamond” which is an eighty feet sailing ‘boutique hotel’. Sail Lanka Charter operates the vessels for charter by individuals and groups.

Big cat: The 27-metre Ocean Diamond is equipped with 10 cabins, each with a private balcony.

The Ocean Diamond class is no ordinary floating hotel. The mastermind of Sea Leisure Yachting Group hails from Europe, however he and his family have lived in Sri Lanka for many decades and he is a very keen sailor of dinghies and yachts. So, when Ocean Diamond was being designed he insisted that she be a proper sailing vessel and pretty much self-sustainable. Ocean Diamond has engines, however she can cruise comfortably under sail. The air conditioning for the ten-passenger cabins is powered by a vast array of solar panels on the upper deck. Recognising that passengers demand top-quality food, the top ‘inside’ deck is a restaurant, offering five-star dining with the galley being open to the gaze of the diners – you actually see your food being prepared. There is also a wet bar which opens to the restaurant for drinks service of fine beverages. The cabins are stylish and en-suite with private balconies, air conditioning and ample storage space. There is also a wardrobe, writing desk and vanity area.

Explore the coasts: Sri Lanka offers a different sailing experience, from the colourful temples of the north, to the whale wacthing of the south.

The Ocean Diamond class of yachts are produced in a purpose built workshop using latest techniques. The hull and deck sections are produced in house using their own square thirty-metre vacuum infusion production table, where the fibre and resin sections are placed in a huge ‘bag’ and the air extracted to make for a strong and durable curing process. The resulting product is strong, and does not have air trapped within the matted substrate.

Sail racing is organised by the foundation to encourage both visitors and local youngsters to learn competitive sailing in dinghies. There are international class dinghies and a local day sailing boat designed for the seas around the Sri Lankan coast. These are great for day adventures on this lovely tropical island. There are plans to hold annual international regattas bringing competitors from Dubai, Oman and Asia.

So, what is it like to live aboard? We spent a night on Ocean Diamond in the blue waters of the capital of Colombo. The food was first class, with the chef explaining how he sourced local produce from the ‘upcountry’ farming area of Nuwara Eliya at nearly 2000 metres above sea level. The seafood was fresh and locally caught by the crew. The whole dining experience had the ambiance of a five-star hotel with the table service being friendly and knowledgeable, all with wonderful sea views. Breakfast tea and short eats were taken on our own private veranda whilst enjoying the fresh sea air and stunning views of the Sri Lankan coastline. Sea Leisure Yachting Group was formed to represent all the various divisions under one group.

More information www.slyg.global and www.sail-lanka-charter.com Dubai International Boat Show stand MLL-76.