SaiLanka supported by Land Rover

Friday, 21 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

For many years it has been Jeremy Bolling’s dream to circumnavigate Sri Lanka in his GP14, 2-crew sailboat that he races competitively at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club (CMYC – www.cmyc.lk). Until recently it was an impossible dream and totally unrealistic to pursue, so he bided his time. Jeremy has reawakened his dream as peace reigns in Sri Lanka. With support and access for the event granted, the SaiLanka adventure was rapidly put into action to beat the arrival of the monsoon and inter-monsoon weather for the 1,300 km circumnavigation.

Land Rover once approached, agreed to provide land and financial support for this ocean going adventure and became the main sponsor of the experience. “The sport of sailing and the philosophy of Land Rover go hand in hand, with our shared values of adventure, inner strength and a competitive spirit. SaiLanka is a fantastic initiative and provides a perfect platform to deepen Land Rover’s involvement in sailing as well as support the Educate Lanka charity. We are thrilled to be involved,” said SML Frontier Automotive Managing Director Sheran Fernando. Jeremy, at the helm, set sail with one of his core volunteer crew members from the historic port of Galle on 19 February. There will be a press launch at Shore by O! when Jeremy reaches Mt. Lavinia on 21 February in his GP14. “This is a lifetime dream for me and I was finally able to go through with it because of the dawn of peace. It will be the first time anyone will sail around Sri Lanka in a non-motorised boat. We and Land Rover are trying to bring more Sri Lankans into sailing. We also want to use it to encourage tourism in the country and push for major competitions to be held here.” Jeremy’s venture is entirely non-profit making. He is hoping it will showcase and promote sailing and water sports experiences in and around Sri Lanka on a local and international level. He is also encouraging donations to a local charity – The Educate Lanka Foundation (www.educatelanka.org). This charity strives to empower underprivileged students in Sri Lanka and therefore further advance the potential of this rich and varied serendipitous island of Sri Lanka.