The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL) will take a final decision next week on whether to conduct the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) approved Asian and Oceania Sailing Championship in Sri Lanka.
The YASL is also waiting for confirmation from the participants before going ahead in conducting the event. Acquiring the Optimist boats from India will also take two months in which case the event will be held in December.
“We have held discussions with hotels regarding the hosting of the event and Cinnamon Lakeside hotel is ready to extend their support to make it a success. The advice from the health sector will also be sought to conduct the event. If these areas are cleared we can go ahead with the event,” an official of the YASL told the Sunday Observer.
There were some 125 entries at the beginning of this year for this event and the Covid-19 pandemic reduced the number of entries to 65 by last week.
“If the event is cancelled the YASL has to refund the entry fees to the participants. Each entry fee cost US$ 800 and with the high exchange rate the Association will be burdened by a heavy loss. Rental of each boat cost $600 and we have to provide all facilities too to a competitor,” he said.
“We need to organize this event before the year ends. Sailing is one event that promotes tourism in the country.”
Some participants have begun training at the Bolgoda Lake while the Navy camp in Crow Island at Mattakkkuliya is not opened for training yet.