Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Friday, 6 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The conditions on Saturday were challenging with white topped waves on the normally peaceful lake. The Optimists were first to demonstrate their skills for the first time it was great to have sailors from Royal and St. Thomas College. The event had a record number of 24 Optimist boats sailing three races and the top three positions were: 1st place: Akil Jayawardena from British School, 2nd place: Jeremy De Mel from Lyceum College and 3rd place: Sansith Heenatigala Royal College. It was a joy to see such a high standard of competitive sailing from so many young sailors.
On the Sunday the fishermen arrived bright and early for their competition to troll for the largest fish in the lake. They endured wet and thunderous conditions to bring their haul to the clubhouse by noon.
Winner of the CMYC 2014 Shackle Fishing Trophy: Romesh Dias (Barra 4.11 kg), 2nd Place: Sanka Fernando (Barra 3.51 kg) and 3rd place: Ross Buultjens (Barra 3.39 kg). Next in line were the GP14s which are also known as BOD (Bolgoda One Design). This is the adapted boat design of the CMYC and normally carries both helm and crew. Eleven boats competed in the championship with countless capsizes in stiff and changeable winds. Four of the six races took place on Saturday with a healthy audience in the clubhouse. Jeremy Bolling, who recently circumnavigated Sri Lanka in his GP14, set a sausage, hook, triangle course with extra triangles thrown in as the wind was so strong the course was quickly covered.
There were three retirements and with a fleet of eight remaining on the Sunday it was now time to wait for a gap in the thunder and lightning for the remaining two races to be sailed. An optimistic gap was spotted by Jeremy and the fleet set off in the rain with threatening black clouds looming over the lake.
A fine demonstration of sailing skills was displayed and all competing sailor’s hard work was rewarded with two trophies being sailed for. Just after the last boat completed the course the sky emptied itself into the lake accompanied by thunder and lightning. Jeremy decided to cancel the final race and the Shackle was deemed to be complete in incredibly testing conditions. Now the results could be calculated and the two trophies decided.
The Boat & Personal Handicap CMYC Shackle trophy: Won by Trevor and Sarah F, first runners up Armand and Anish and second runners up Armand and Anish.
The Boat Handicap CMYC Shackle trophy: Won by Devin and Soyza, first runners up were Anil and Michelle and second runners up were Duncan and Gail.
Music played in the background all weekend and members and their guests either brought food to the barbecue or purchased homemade beef burgers and chicken sausages in the afternoon and early evening on Saturday. On Sunday the crowds were all treated to a fine Thai feast orchestrated by Per Hansen and supported by a team of keen foodies contributing to this homemade extravaganza. Dancing and merriment also ensued.
All in all the weekend was a celebration of sailing and fishing on the bountiful waters of Bolgoda Lake and proved to be a superb opportunity to showcase the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club and the spirit of sharing and adventure enjoyed by the members.
