sandre fernando

Sea Trials, New Friends and a Name for the Journey There is a particular moment when an old boat stops being a project and starts becoming a boat again. I think I reached that point recently with my 2012 MacGregor 26M. After years of storage, repairs, electrical work, rigging, batteries, paperwork, inspections and more than a few occasions when I wondered what on earth I had gotten myself into, the boat is now spending almost every day on the water at Bolgoda Lake. And she is beginning to...

Lightning Risks During Tropical Monsoon Storms Tropical waters around Sri Lanka can experience intense electrical storms, particularly during monsoon transitions and fast-moving evening squalls. While direct lightning strikes on yachts are relatively uncommon, they do occur and can cause severe damage to electronics, rigging systems, batteries, navigation equipment, and onboard communications — even when a vessel is safely anchored or tied up in a marina. Modern sailboats with tall aluminum...

Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly popular stop for international cruising yachts crossing the Indian Ocean. However, all foreign pleasure craft must follow strict arrival and clearance procedures coordinated through authorized local shipping agents. Arriving at the Lotus Tower Colombo Sri Lanka International pleasure craft, cruising yachts, and circumnavigating sailboats are not permitted to self-clear into Sri Lanka. All foreign vessels must coordinate arrival through a licensed local...