A Historic Crossing, Symbol of a Connected Future
On Thursday, April 3rd 2025, a major event took place on the northern coast of Sri Lanka: for the first time, a sailing crossing connecting India and Sri Lanka was completed by two sailboats from the Royal Madras Yacht Club, departing from Chennai. Welcomed at the military port of Jaffna, the crews were warmly received by a SLYG delegation, marking a turning point in regional maritime relations. This crossing was not just a sporting event. It carried a clear message: to promote the development of marine tourism, trade exchanges, and industrial synergies between the two countries. With bases located in Chennai, Ennore, Pondicherry, and Misuru, the Royal Madras Yacht Club demonstrates an ambitious vision of a regional maritime network that is safe, sustainable, and cooperative.
SLYG, A Committed Actor at the Forefront
The SLYG team was heavily involved in the facilitation and execution of this event, working closely with port authorities and Indian representatives. Among those present to welcome the crews were Pierre Pringier, founder of SLYG, his son Conrad Pringier, who oversees the industrial branch Ocean Voyager, and Kaushal Rajapaksa, Managing Director of SLYG and President of the Sri Lanka Export Chamber. Also present were representatives from the Building a Future Foundation, recently established in the north of the country.
This welcome was far from symbolic. SLYG affirmed itself as a key partner, ready to support future Indo–Sri Lankan marine initiatives both logistically and industrially. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two parties. This agreement, negotiated by Mr. Rajapaksa, establishes a system of reciprocal access to maritime infrastructure and services for members of both organizations without any financial compensation. A concrete and symbolic step forward that reinforces trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Jaffna, A Strategic Location for Sri Lanka’s Marine Future
The choice of Jaffna for this event was no coincidence. It is here that SLYG recently opened its northernmost shipyard, alongside its new training center for the BAFF Foundation. This expansion reflects a strong commitment to decentralize excellence, provide local training, and develop regions that have long remained on the sidelines.
By bringing together all its pillars: training, production, innovation, and economic diplomacy, in one location, SLYG confirms its role as a pioneer of marine development in Sri Lanka. From boatbuilding to export, from tourism to youth training, the group is charting a coherent and inclusive course, toward the sea and toward the future.
