Sri Lanka’s first luxury yacht charter service announced

2 July 2012 04:53 am

CeySail Cruises (Pvt.) Ltd. announced the launching of Sri Lanka’s first luxury yacht charter service recently.

The company, which is a joint venture between Netherlands-based Orange Green Eco Pvt. Ltd. and the Sri Lankan CeyLine Group of Companies, now offers luxury catamaran and mono-hull yachts for single and multi-day charters within Sri Lankanwaters.

CeySails fleet of three yachts (one catamaran and two Macgregor 26 mono-hulls) can be utilized for fishing trips, diving expeditions and whale and dolphin watching, with clientele being offered the option of fully customizing their trip.

CeySail initially commenced operations in Galle three months ago but has since moved to the Trincomalee coast due to the southwest monsoon. The company plans to operate along the East coast for the next four months.

“Sri Lanka has a lot of untapped potential when it comes to marine activities and we have many unique locations that you can get a totally different perspective through our services. Additionally, while our boats do have engines for emergencies, we operate with only wind power, making our operations very eco-friendly; so, we really feel that this is something that needs to be promoted.”

“All our yachts and crew are fully certified and we have all the equipment from depth scanners to lifejackets, so it is very safe. This is a new attraction that is very far outside the traditional ways to experience Sri Lanka and we really hope to promote sailing and diving amongst locals as well,” CeySail Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Rajiv Seneviratne said.

To that end, he stated that the company would also be setting up a sailing school in Kalutara, with plans to tie up with local schools to provide lessons and eventually host yacht races as well.

CeySails is also partnering with several major tour operators to promote its services within their travel itineraries in addition to banks and mobile service provider, Etisalat, to promote charter services to their customers as well.