Ceylon Motor Yacht Club – Bart’s Bash

One year later and even though it was monsoon weather the second year of sailing in the International Event of Bart’s Bash went ahead as planned. With sailors still signing up on the day the numbers swelled so that in the end 58 sailors took part in 40 boats. Boat classes included Lasers, GP14s, Enterprises, Optimists and a Catamaran.

Bart’s Bash Bell to signal the start of racing was sounded at 12:30 with all classes competing at the same time over the same course of 2890m. The wind was 250/10, 250 degrees and 13-15 knots.

Everyone got off to a clean start over the crowded start line and the race was well and truly on. The youngsters in the Optimists jostling amongst the big boys which included the Sri Lankan Navy. The skies were threatening and still spinnakers were flown adding to the colour and magnificence on the lake. Fierce competition ensued testing the metal of those on the water. The finish was all the more exciting when a pre-storm squall made an appearance to see the sailors flying over the finishing line with big grins on their faces.

It was good to see so many participating and the banter as well as the battles on the lake. As one of the optimist mothers said: “It was a lovely day. I love the camaraderie among the optis too. They are young and must understand the spirit of the sport above all.” Her sentiments were surely shared.