November 26, 2008, (Colombo):- The inaugural Mobitel Colombo to Galle Sailing Regatta is set to be the next big event on the international dinghy sailing calendar. This first time event is being held over three days and will see elite sailors from around the world entering the race that begins in Panadura on December 12, 2008 and continues down the coast ending in Galle on December 14, 2008. The race includes two over night stops in Bentota and Hikkaduwa and will see the sailors battling for titles and positions as each day as the racing progresses.

The regatta has attracted more than 20 competitive boats (40 entrants), which is a phenomenal number for a maiden race. Set to sail for the first time off shore in Sri Lanka is the 2006 World GP14 Champion and 2007 UK National GP14 Champion - Richard Estaugh, who will be challenged by some of Sri Lanka�s own dinghy sailing champions, former Olympic Bronze Medallist Lalin Jinasena, current 2008 Sri Lankan National GP14 Champion Devin Goonawardena, as well as the Navy�s own 2008 Enterprise Class National Champion Janaka.

Sri Lankan sailors have been flying overseas recently with 14 sailors representing the CMYC in Wales UK at the 2008 World GP14 Championships. Devin Goonawardena and Jeremy Bolling gained 31st in the world rankings.

Organised by the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club (CMYC), the regatta is open to two dinghy classes; the GP14 class, and the Enterprise Class: both of which sail regularly on Bolgoda Lake, Moratuwa every weekend. Local entrants will hail from Sri Lanka�s three top sailing Clubs � Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, Royal Ceylon Yacht Club (RCYC) and the Navy Sailing Club (NSC) and are sure to battle fiercely to make a name for themselves in the history books of this regatta.

�Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the number one places to sail for the international dinghy fraternity,� states Renton de Alwis, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. �Sports Tourism is one of our key proponents in our marketing strategy, attracting international interest from adventure and leisure enthusiasts.�

Having already had huge success in hosting the 2005 Enterprise Championships in Negombo, where there were over 60 boats entered from around the world, Sri Lankan sailing bodies are now priming themselves for the World GP14 Championships in 2010/11. The event will be held in Negombo and hopes to attract more than 70 international and national boats. With the immense success of these events, the Mobitel Colombo to Galle Regatta will soon become established as one of Sri Lanka�s, if not the world�s, premier off shore dinghy events.

Commenting on Mobitel�s involvement in this exciting venture Mobitel�s chief executive officer, Mr. Suren J. Amarasekera stated: �Mobitel is indeed proud to spearhead this initial tournament which will encourage and enhance interest and participation in this sport locally and globally. Events such as these promote Sri Lanka as an ideal tourist destination, to avid sailors and others alike. This tournament, while being the first of its kind will encourage the hosting of such events in the country, thus providing a further boost in tourism figures.�

The Mobitel Colombo to Galle Regatta 2008 has received grateful assistance from over 20 hard working volunteers and is being organised within International Safety Standards and International Dinghy Class Rules. Enormous support has been offered to the event with backing and assistance being offered by not only one of the main sailing clubs, the Navy Sailing Club, but also by Sri Lankan Tourism and the Sea Rescue Institution and the event�s main sponsor and name sake, Mobitel.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

Date of Event: December 12th 2008 � December 14th 2008.

Details of Route and Logistics: The Regatta will take place from Friday 12 December to Sunday 14 December, 2008; beginning at Panadura fishing harbour (launch time 8 a.m., Friday) and ending in Galle harbour (estimated time 4 p.m., Sunday). Overnight stops will be arranged at Bentota and Hikkaduwa.

Three day course will be as follows:

DAY 1: Panadura Fishing Harbour � Bentota (estuary) DAY 2: Bentota (estuary) � Hikkaduwa Harbour DAY 3: Hikkaduwa Harbour� Galle Harbour.

Two legs will be raced each day. This will provide more opportunity for competition, whilst helping to ensure that the fleet is kept together for safety reasons.

For each day�s sailing, a contingency plan will be devised to deal with circumstances that may prevent the completion of the full course.

Arrangements will be made to transport trailers and launch trolleys between different locations.

Race Management: A Race Committee will oversee all aspects relating to registered boats and crews launching, sailing, racing, motoring, and their safety. The committee will comprise the Chief Race Officer, 3 x OODs (sailing), 3 x assistant OODs (not sailing), a Beach Master, a Safety Officer and the CMYC Sailing Convenor.

Each day�s OOD will be responsible for their days� arrangements and taking key decisions on any changes. 3 race officers will support the committee, and keep time. A Race Committee Terms of Reference is to be published.

Expected weather conditions should support a race start time of 8 am each day. Weather reports will be provided to sailors nearer the race date.

For further information press information, please contact: The Mobitel Colombo � Galle Regatta 2008 Committee on kybick@yahoo.com.au or 072 705 2728 or the Sri Lankan Tourism UK press office on 0208 877 4510/4504.