A Sea-Bound Pact of Elegance and Enterprise

On the morning of April 3rd, 2025, the Bay of Bengal stirred with purpose. A soft, salt-kissed breeze whispered across its vast blue canvas, heralding more than just the day—it carried with it a vision. From the historic harbor of Chennai, two sleek sailboats unfurled their sails and glided into open waters. Their graceful arc toward Jaffna wasn’t just a journey; it was a statement—a silent threading of goodwill between India and Sri Lanka, bound by the tide, trust, and a shared horizon.

The expedition was supported by Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, Yachting Association of India, Sports Ministry of Tamil Nadu, National J80 Class Association of India, Indian Coast Guard, and the Navy. This symbolic voyage marked the beginning of a new era in maritime collaboration. As the vessels arrived at Jaffna’s Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour, gleaming beneath the Sri Lankan sun, they were greeted not only by an enthusiastic crowd but also by a circle of legacy-makers—visionaries committed to strengthening the region’s blue economy.

At the heart of this occasion was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chamber of Marine Industry in Sri Lanka (CMISL) and India’s prestigious Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC). Rooted in regional synergy and reciprocal access, the agreement enables members from both organizations to seamlessly use facilities across borders—without red tape, without barriers. This accord has opened a corridor of maritime possibilities, connecting Chennai, Ennore, Mysuru, Puducherry, and now, Jaffna.

The welcome was as elegant as it was significant. From ceremonial sail to formal seal, the voyage was expertly choreographed by S. Niranjan Nanthagopan, Managing Director of IndSri Ferry Services Lanka, whose deft coordination brought poise and purpose to every aspect of the crossing and the celebration.

The crossing was commanded by Captain Vivek Shanbhag, supported by a skilled crew of 10, whose teamwork exemplified the spirit of the voyage. Among the crew members were notable figures such as:
• Capt. Vivek Shanbhag – Expedition Leader
• Kaki Chinna Reddy – Helm
• Yakobu – Helm
• Dheer Singhi – Helm
• Gautam RV – Helm
• Aditya Krishna – Crew
• Ravichandran S – Crew
• Durga Das – Crew
• Jayalakshmi Sunderesan – Crew
• Anand D – Crew
Each contributed their expertise and dedication to the successful completion of this historic crossing.

The vessels themselves were part of a broader vision championed by Seal Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG). Founded by maritime pioneer Mr. Pierre Pringiers, the group continues to steer the region’s marine industry forward under the leadership of his son and CEO, Mr. Koenraad Pringiers. Their passion for connectivity through the sea is shared by Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, Chairman of CMISL and Group Managing Director of SLYG—a dedicated advocate for Sri Lanka’s marine and export future.

Present at this momentous occasion were the Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. Vethanayagam, Northern Naval Commander Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara, along with SLYG Chairman Mr. Pierre Pringiers and CEO Mr. Koenraad Pringiers—whose collective presence underscored the event’s significance.

Beyond its diplomatic and symbolic resonance, the voyage signals a turning point for regional marine tourism and trade. With the KKS Harbor now poised to safely and efficiently welcome international vessels, Jaffna opens its arms to sailing and yachting enthusiasts across the subcontinent. From Mysuru’s cultural charm to Pondicherry’s colonial flair, and southward under starlit skies, a new maritime corridor has been born—one where sailors find freedom, entrepreneurs find opportunity, and nations find common tide.

This is not just a story of boats and harbors. It is a story of people—of visionaries who dared to believe the sea could unite more than it divides. And with this voyage, they’ve proven it can.