5th edition of Commandant's Cup Sailing Regatta-2025 marks vibrant final race with 8 participating countries

The Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta – 2025 concluded in style at Sandy Bay, Trincomalee, on 23 August, after four days of thrilling competition on the waves. Organized for the fifth time by the Naval and Maritime Academy, the event was held under the auspices of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL). The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, graced the closing ceremony and presented medals and trophies to the champions.

This year’s regatta drew 33 competitors from eight naval academies: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Italy, Oman, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, making it a truly international showcase of skill, precision and seamanship.

The Indian Naval Academy emerged champions of the prestigious Cup Championship, with Pakistan Naval Academy and the Sri Lanka Navy clinching second and third places.

Other highlights of the regatta included:

Laser (ILCA 6):

Gold – Officer Cadet Ali Fazeli Najafabadi (Iran)

Silver – Officer Cadet Indushankar Vardanik (India)

Bronze – Midshipman Maddison Mandy Markey (Australia)

Enterprise:

Gold – Officer Cadet Syed Sakhir Ali Shah & Muhammad Shaaf Afzal (Pakistan)

Silver – Officer Cadet Himanshu & Boddapu Harish (India)

Bronze – Officer Cadet HMKM Bandara & RPDS Theekshana (Sri Lanka)

Open Championship:

Gold – Midshipman Mohammad Navidi (Iran)

Silver – Lieutenant Dinidu de Zoysa (Sri Lanka)

Bronze – Lieutenant Damesh Piyamal (Sri Lanka)

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Commander of the Navy praised the high standard of competition and the camaraderie displayed. He noted that the regatta is not just about winning races, but about building professionalism, respect, and maritime excellence among young naval officers. He further highlighted the strong international response, expressing confidence that future editions would attract even greater participation.

By hosting this annual regatta, the Sri Lanka Navy aims to strengthen global naval ties, promote water sports across the island and open new avenues for maritime tourism.

The vibrant closing ceremony was attended by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, senior naval officers, diplomatic corps, officials of YASL, members of the Navy Sailing Club and a large gathering of naval personnel.