The islands off the Jaffna peninsula have received a boost in tourism following the introduction of sailing tours on yachts by Sail Lanka Charter, the country’s premier yacht chartering company.
Outlining the tours offered by them, Gowrie Ponniah, Vice President of Sail Lanka Charter says, “Our day cruises, overnight cruise to Delft, the two and three-nighters with a limited number of islands and the six-nighter where we take guests to Mannar and Talaimannar, are increasing in popularity, and encouraging us to expand our fleet in the North. We begin the journey from Kurikadduwan and go to Nagadeepa and then to Delft, Kakarativu, Annalativu and Iranativu.”
“With permission from the Navy, we can take our guests up to Adam’s Bridge – the sand bank between Sri Lanka and India which we approach on a dinghy because the water is shallow. As an option, we also organize a land tour of the Jaffna district, but with most guests, once they get on the boat, they don’t want to get off.”
The unique hybrid, sail and engine powered catamaran yachts, cabin cruisers and day-cruisers are completely designed and built in Sri Lanka. With comfortable accommodation for eight passengers in four double-cabins and two double-crew quarters, each cabin has a western-style bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin. The boats are equipped to provide guests with freshly cooked food from the galley kitchen. Solar panels provide 220V power for the galley refrigerators, lighting, WiFi, music system and water de-salinator. All yachts have a living cum dining area on the lower deck.
Explaining the philosophy of the founder of the company, Pierre Pringiers, Gowrie says, “After pioneering the whale watching in Mirissa, he always wanted to make Sri Lanka the hub for yacht construction, and chartering in the region, by creating Sail Lanka Charter and the local yacht building yards, mini marinas and a training centre for all the skills required.”
“Jaffna was the last destination because we have boats going out from Mirissa in the south, Beruwala in the west, and Trincomalee and Pasikudah in the east. The north of Sri Lanka is the only part of the country that has a number of islands suitable for sailing tourism and he felt there was also something he could do to redevelop the post-war economy and bring a new type of tourism to the north.”
“Beyond the tourism sector, our yachts offer an amazing experience and a new way for resident and non residents Sri Lankans to rediscover the country”.
“You only drop your bags onboard and you are home,” says Gowrie. “As you travel, you can choose whether to swim, snorkel, canoe, paddle-board or simply enjoy the incredible marine life. You can pour yourself a drink, enjoy the delicious food and fall asleep on deck with the cool breeze lapping your face.”
Speaking about the safety of the cruises Gowrie continues, “We have identified a number of safe anchoring points around the country, either protected bays or harbours and with the presence and cooperation of the Navy and coastguard, we are operating in probably the safest waters in the world.”