A spectacle of sails: Officer Under Trainees test mettle in Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta

The Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta – 2025 commenced with much vibrancy at Sandy Bay, Trincomalee on 20 August, marking the fifth edition of the prestigious tournament.

The competition, hosted by the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), brings together Officer Under Trainees from both local and international naval academies. The opening ceremony was graced by the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, at the invitation of the Commandant NMA, Commodore Dinesh Bandara.

This year, the event reached a new milestone with participation from eight (08) countries: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Italy, Oman, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the highest international turnout in the history of the Commandant’s Cup.

The regatta, held under the supervision of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL), will span from 21st to 23rd August. Competitors will take to the waters in the Enterprise and Laser categories, with races unfolding against the scenic backdrop of Sandy Bay.

More than a competition, the Commandant’s Cup aims to strengthen international naval ties through waves of unity in sports, while also promoting water sports in Sri Lanka and contributing to the growth of maritime tourism.