16 February 2017 10:59 am
Sail Lanka Charter recently hosted two exclusive events on board its luxury yacht, the Sapphire. The gatherings took place, whilst the yacht was docked at Dikowita port, and both functions were attended by VIP guests from the public and private sectors. The events were hosted as part of Sail Lanka Charter’s ongoing efforts to showcase its fleet whilst highlighting the potential of yachting as a key contributor to the country’s tourism industry and economy at large.
The guests who came on board the Sapphire included Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries as well as several government officials from the Ceylon Fishery Harbour Cooperation, the Cey-Nor Foundation and the Export Development Board. Corporate sector guests and representatives from various travel agencies were also present.
Commenting on the events Pierre Pringiers - Chairman of Sail Lanka Charter stated: “We are extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to host so many distinguished guests on board the Sapphire. We hope that they were able to experience our offering and learn more about our unique luxury yachts and travel services. We are also proud to support the development of the yachting industry at a national level, and we look forward to helping Sri Lanka become a thriving destination for luxury yachting experiences as well a hub for yacht manufacturing.”
The first event that was hosted on the Sapphire brought together senior members of the Lions Club including Club District Governor Nimal Semadheera (MJF.MAF. JP, District 306 B2) and Cabinet Treasurer Kaushal (PMJF,MAF). During this event Mr. Pierre Pringiers made the first donation to the Lions Club, on behalf of ‘Building a Future Foundation’ (BAFF) to enable the club to build a new skill development center in Biyagama. This center will offer youth in the area an array of training opportunities which will equip them for employment in various marine, boating and yachting related jobs. The project will be similar to the BAFF training centre which Mr. Pringiers founded in 2007, which has helped Sail Lanka Charter to manufacture yachts locally. The third EXCO meeting of the Lions’ Toastmaster Club was also conducted at the venue thereafter.
The Sapphire also welcomed members of the Export Development Board, the Board of Investment and the BTI (Boat Technology Institute), as well as other VIP guests, who came to learn about the future of yachting in Sri Lanka. Guests from BAFF POLYMECH, a sister company of Sail Lanka Charter were also in attendance. Keeping in mind the rise of yachting on a global scale, the company believes that all this all-important industry can support tourism and provide valuable employment opportunities for people living in key coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
Other guests who were present included Christophe Commard, Head of Manufacturing for French Yacht Building Group Grand Large Yachting, Darshan Munidasa, Founder of Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab and Anna Lin from Quintessentially Travel. Kanagaratnam Selvaraj, the Country Manager of Ultra Bespoke Asia was also in attendance along with Sanjaya Dahanaggamaarachchi, Hashan Silva, and Jerome Daniel from Antiquity Sri Lanka. Finger foods at the event were supplied by a new upscale Belgian cheese brand called CIAO and guests were able to enjoy a delicious dinner, overlooking the port and ocean.
Sail Charter Lanka offers up-market yachting experiences and relaxed coastal cruising and dining, without any hassle. Guests travelling on board the company’s yachts can experience breath-taking vistas of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s ocean breeze, the island’s tropical waters and the rich marine life that inhabits the island’s coastline. Sail Charter Lanka is now offering mini cruises of up to three to six days on the south coast cruises to Jaffna. To find out more contact: http://sail-lanka-charter.com