Building A Future Foundation

Author name: BAFF

News

Standing together after the new year: SLYG supports a school affected by landslides. 

Following the recent floods and landslides across Sri Lanka, many communities have been left dealing with disrupted access, damaged infrastructure, and real uncertainty, especially for families and schools in most remote areas.  During the first weekend of 2026, M. Alipola, General Manager of Solar Impulse, took the initiative to act quickly on the ground. With support from the team, a fundraising effort was organised internally, followed by the purchase and delivery of school supply bags for a small school in the Dolosbage area, where access had been severely impacted by landslides. The visit itself was simple and focused. The Solar Impulse team travelled to the school, met staff and students, and delivered the supplies in person. They were warmly received by the school community, and the day was shaped by something very concrete: being present, listening, and trying to respond with what was immediately useful for these children. This initiative reflects the wider purpose of the BAFF, which sits at the heart of Sea Leisure Yachting Group. While SLYG operates across different maritime activities, the group’s long-term direction has always included a commitment to local impact, skills, and community support, especially when circumstances call for it. SLYG and Solar Impulse would like to thank our teams who contributed to the collection and made this initiative possible, as well as the school staff for their welcome. Moments like these are not about visibility. They are about responsibility and staying connected to the communities that surround us.

News

The Saturdays with the BAFF at Ruhunu Sailing Club creating new path for local youths.

As 2025 comes to a close, it is a good moment to look back at the parts of our ecosystem that carry the most meaning beyond day-to-day operations. One of them is the Ruhunu Sailing Club, a programme attached to the BAF Foundation, which runs every Saturday and introduces young people from the South of Sri Lanka to sailing. The concept is simple and consistent: free Optimist sailing lessons, taught by Sail Lanka’s trained captains, including Kumara, and made accessible to children from local communities in Mirissa and Jaffna. For many participants, it is a first contact not only with sailing but with the sea as a space for learning and discipline. On an island, most of us could think that should be normal, but in reality, access to sailing and even basic water confidence is still limited for many families, especially outside the main urban centres. In that way, Ruhunu Sailing Club matters while it creates skills, but also new directions for these young people across the island.  Over the years, the sailing club has helped turn curiosity into real vocations, and sometimes into careers. One of the clearest examples is within our own teams at Sail Lanka, where a current Sail Lanka captain first joined Ruhunu Sailing Club as a young student. Through the programme, he learned to swim, built confidence on the water, and progressively developed strong sailing skills. After completing school, he later joined the BAFF, and from there entered Sail Lanka, where he grew step by step into a leadership role and is today the boss of a boat. Stories like this are exactly the reason the program continues. Not because they are exceptional, but because they show what becomes possible when access exists. The Saturday sessions are intentionally run in small groups, allowing instructors to focus on safety, learning quality and individual progress,  reflecting the nature of sailing itself: it requires attention, repetition, and close supervision, especially at the early stages. In parallel, the same approach is also being developed in the North of the country, where SLYG has expanded its presence over the past years. The objective is not to replicate a program for the sake of replication, but to extend what has worked in the South: practical access to the water, structured learning, and opportunities that can connect young people to maritime pathways, wherever they grow up in Sri Lanka. Ruhunu Sailing Club remains one of the most direct expressions of what the Building A Future Foundation represents within SLYG, with long-term investment in people, skills, and local opportunities.

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OV40 CARLA I: Gran Canaria’s Premier Catamaran by SLYG

The OV40 CARLA stands out among Gran Canaria’s catamaran fleet, offering premium maritime experiences along the island’s stunning southwestern coastline. Operated by Watersports Luis Molina from Anfi Beach, this catamaran has earned its reputation as one of the Canary Islands’ finest tourist catamarans. The CARLA accommodates up to 35 passengers in comfort and style. Its twin-hull design provides exceptional stability while cruising Gran Canaria’s Atlantic waters. With modern safety equipment, spacious decks, and comfortable seating, the catamaran strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and capacity. Three-and-a-half-hour excursions showcase the best of Gran Canaria’s coast, featuring dramatic sea caves, towering volcanic cliffs, and opportunities to spot dolphins and marine life. The relaxed pace allows passengers to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty, from geological formations that tell the story of Gran Canaria’s volcanic origins to the crystal-clear Atlantic waters.Luis Molina’s Watersports center represents one of Gran Canaria’s largest marine tourism operations, offering over 20 different water activities. The OV40 classification ensures the CARLA meets Spain’s strict maritime safety standards, providing passengers with confidence in their excursion choice. Operating throughout the year thanks to Gran Canaria’s favorable climate, the CARLA consistently receives praise for its professional crew, stunning coastal views, and luxurious atmosphere. The vessel has become an integral part of the island’s tourism landscape, offering visitors an authentic connection to Gran Canaria’s maritime heritage.For those seeking a premium catamaran experience that combines safety, comfort, and spectacular scenery, the CARLA delivers an unforgettable journey through some of the Atlantic’s most beautiful waters.

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Ocean Voyager International Receives the Presidential Export Award for Boat and Pleasure Craft Building

Some recognitions carry a particular weight. In the final months of 2025, Ocean Voyager International was honoured with the Presidential Export Award for Boat and Pleasure Craft Building, granted by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. This award, recognising the company’s outstanding export performance during the 24-25 year, places Ocean Voyager among the national references of Sri Lankan boatbuilding on international markets. As we talk about this award, we should mark that this distinction is not the result of a single project or a short-term success. Indeed, this is the second time our brand has been honoured with this award, reflecting years of consistent work, strategic choices and collective commitment across the company. Ocean Voyager International was evaluated on a wide range of criteria, including export turnover, repatriation of export proceeds, net foreign exchange earnings, market and product diversification, value addition, innovation and sustainable export practices. Across these dimensions, the award recognises that the company demonstrated a level of performance that led to this national recognition. The award was officially received during the Presidential Export Awards ceremony in the first week of December 2025 by Saman, our General Manager and whose presence symbolised the leadership and long-term global vision that have shaped the company’s international development over time. Behind the figures and evaluation criteria lies a very concrete reality. Day after day, teams work across design, engineering and production to deliver boats that meet demanding international standards. Our attention to detail, combined with a strong export-oriented mindset, has allowed Ocean Voyager to steadily expand its global footprint while maintaining high levels of reliability, technical excellence and trust with its partners. The selection process itself reflects the importance of the award. Winners are chosen through a comprehensive and transparent evaluation conducted by an eminent panel of judges, chaired by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court. Receiving this distinction therefore carries both symbolic and professional significance within Sri Lanka’s export landscape, and encourages us to continue pursuing our core purpose: contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka and its communities. Indeed, as Ocean Voyager evolves within the wider maritime ecosystem of Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG), alongside industrial, operational and social initiatives, the brand remains directly linked to the group’s social mission and to the work of the BAFF Foundation, which lies at the origin of the entire group. This integrated structure supports sustainable growth while anchoring performance in long-term responsibility, skills development and local impact. For the group as a whole, this award marks an important milestone. It acknowledges the dedication of our teams, the confidence of international clients and partners, and the growing recognition of Sri Lanka as a competitive, reliable and innovative hub for boat manufacturing. More than an award, this recognition reinforces a direction. It strengthens our determination to continue building an international presence from Sri Lanka with substance, to invest locally in skills, innovation and quality, and to contribute actively to the sustainable development of the maritime industry of the island for the years to come.

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VIBE 1: A New Addition to Pattaya’s Day-Cruise Fleet

This December marks an important moment for Ocean Voyager and waters of Thailand with the introduction of VIBE 1, the newest OV 64 now successfully launched and delivered. Purpose-built for high-capacity, high-comfort day operations, VIBE 1 is expected to play a significant role in strengthening Pattaya’s growing marine tourism landscape. Designed for Capacity, Comfort, and Commercial Value Stretching 19.5 metres in length, the OV 64 offers generous deck spaces, a stable platform, and a layout that ensures guests enjoy a smooth and comfortable experience on the water. With the ability to accommodate up to 90 passengers, the OV64 stands out as one of the most commercially advantageous vessels in its category. Higher capacity means operators can welcome more guests per sailing, optimise revenue on peak days, and achieve a stronger return on investment throughout the season, all without compromising on guest comfort or operational efficiency. VIBE 1’s open deck configuration, smooth maneuverability, and well-planned amenities make it suitable for a wide range of charter experiences, from leisure cruises and island-hopping excursions to private events and corporate outings. Its build quality and systems are designed for the demands of frequent day-charter use, offering both reliability and ease of operation. Craftsmanship Backed by Sea Leisure Yachting Group The arrival of VIBE 1 also reflects the broader evolution of the Ocean Voyager brand under its holding company, the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG). With integrated shipyards and a strong focus on B2B marine solutions, SLYG ensures that the OV64 line continues to be built to high international standards. The combination of robust composites, advanced systems, and manufacturer expertise plays a central role in the vessel’s performance and long-term commercial appeal. As VIBE 1 begins operations in Pattaya this December, charter operators in the region gain access to a vessel that delivers both scale and quality; two critical factors in a tourism market experiencing steady growth. Its arrival is expected to elevate the day-cruise offering in the destination, enabling operators to meet rising demand while maximizing revenue potential. VIBE 1 represents not only a new addition to the waters of Thailand, but also a significant step forward in the continued expansion of Ocean Voyager’s global presence. With strong capacity, proven design, and a focus on operator profitability, the Ocean Voyager 64 is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in Pattaya’s marine tourism sector.

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Pulse 55 Sport, the Newest RIB Delivered to Support Watersport Activities in Negombo

Sea Leisure Yachting Group is proud to announce that the Pulse 55 Sport is now ready to begin operations in Negombo, where it will support the growing activities of the Serendib Watersport Center. This versatile Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) has been fully constructed at our Solar Impulse yard in Kabalana, showcasing the Group’s commitment to quality, innovation and local craftsmanship. Designed for both speed and stability, the Pulse 55 Sport can reach up to 26 knots while maintaining excellent maneuverability in varying sea conditions. With seating for up to 9 passengers, the vessel is ideal for watersport excursions, coastal trips and recreational activities. Its performance oriented profile makes it a reliable choice for commercial operators who require efficiency, comfort and durability. Every aspect of the vessel has been built from A to Z by our in house team, starting from the fiberglass hull to the Orca hypalon air tube, ensuring a robust structure capable of handling intensive daily use. Tailored for the Serendib Watersport Center For this model, the client selected a center console layout, emphasizing the sporty character of the boat while allowing for improved mobility and visibility when navigating or hosting watersport sessions. This configuration not only enhances the identity of the Pulse 55 Sport but also aligns perfectly with the operational needs of the Serendib Watersport Center as they expand their offerings in Negombo. Supporting Local Industry and Coastal Tourism At Sea Leisure Yachting Group, contributing to local development across Sri Lanka remains at the heart of our mission. Each vessel built at our yards supports coastal communities, tourism growth and sustainable enterprise around the island. The Pulse 55 Sport marks another step forward in empowering local operators with reliable, high quality marine solutions. We are proud to support the expansion of the Serendib Watersport Center and look forward to seeing visitors and adventure seekers enjoy this new addition to their fleet.

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SLYG Supports Flood Affected Communities Across Sri Lanka Through Coordinated Rescue Efforts

Colombo, December 2025 Sri Lanka has faced severe flooding over the past week, leaving several communities displaced and in urgent need of assistance. In response to the unfolding crisis, Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG) has mobilized teams, vessels and resources across multiple divisions to support national rescue and relief operations. This month, SLYG teams joined coordinated rescue missions in Kotiakumbura, one of the severely impacted areas. Working alongside the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Army and other emergency response units, our teams assisted in the safe evacuation of approximately 30 families. These operations extended late into the night, underscoring the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by all personnel involved. Further, SLYG continued its support by delivering essential food items and relief supplies to affected families. Many communities remain inaccessible due to rising water levels, making timely intervention essential. Our teams ensured that immediate assistance was provided to those facing the greatest challenges. Deploying Marine Resources for Rescue Access One of SLYG’s key contributions has been the deployment of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) manufactured by the Group’s marine engineering division. These vessels, have been operating alongside naval rescue teams to reach areas unreachable by land, transporting stranded families and delivering emergency supplies. Following initial operations in Kotiakumbura, SLYG teams proceeded to Daduru Oya and surrounding regions, where relief efforts continue. Our presence on the ground remains active as water levels fluctuate and new needs emerge. Committed to Community Support As a homegrown company with deep ties to Sri Lanka’s coastal and inland communities, SLYG remains fully committed to supporting national authorities and local rescue units throughout this crisis. Our teams are prepared to continue providing manpower, vessels, logistics and coordination wherever needed.

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Ocean Voyager to Attend Africa Boating Conference 2025

We’re excited to announce that Ocean Voyager, a proud member of SLYG, will be attending theAfrica Boating Conference on October 21-22, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Africa Boating Conference brings together industry leaders, maritime professionals, andyachting enthusiasts to discuss the future of boating and yachting across the African continent.This year’s conference promises to be a pivotal gathering for networking, knowledge sharing,and exploring new opportunities in the region’s growing marine sector. Meet Us in Cape Town! Our team looks forward to connecting with industry professionals,sharing insights, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in Africa’s dynamic yachtingsector. As a member of the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG), Ocean Voyager will be at theAfrica Boating Conference this week to meet operators who share our passion for creatingunforgettable day charter experiences. Ocean Voyager sees great potential for growth inAfrica’s emerging coastal tourism markets. We’re eager to explore partnerships and helpdevelop sustainable sailing tourism in Africa. Connect With Our TeamIf you’re attending the Africa Boating Conference, we’d love to connect with you. Whetheryou’re interested in superyacht logistics, exploring African cruising destinations, or simply wantto network with fellow maritime professionals, our team will be available throughout the two-day event. We are there on October 21 st and 22 nd in Cape Town, South Africa. Contact us: +94 70 271 3007 or [email protected] Conference Website: africanboatingconference.com

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OV40 CARLA I: Gran Canaria’s Premier Catamaran by SLYG

The OV40 CARLA stands out among Gran Canaria’s catamaran fleet, offering premium maritime experiences along the island’s stunning southwestern coastline. Operated by Watersports Luis Molina from Anfi Beach, this catamaran has earned its reputation as one of the Canary Islands’ finest tourist catamarans. The CARLA accommodates up to 35 passengers in comfort and style. Its twin-hull design provides exceptional stability while cruising Gran Canaria’s Atlantic waters. With modern safety equipment, spacious decks, and comfortable seating, the catamaran strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and capacity. Three-and-a-half-hour excursions showcase the best of Gran Canaria’s coast, featuring dramatic sea caves, towering volcanic cliffs, and opportunities to spot dolphins and marine life. The relaxed pace allows passengers to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty, from geological formations that tell the story of Gran Canaria’s volcanic origins to the crystal-clear Atlantic waters.Luis Molina’s Watersports center represents one of Gran Canaria’s largest marine tourism operations, offering over 20 different water activities. The OV40 classification ensures the CARLA meets Spain’s strict maritime safety standards, providing passengers with confidence in their excursion choice. Operating throughout the year thanks to Gran Canaria’s favorable climate, the CARLA consistently receives praise for its professional crew, stunning coastal views, and luxurious atmosphere. The vessel has become an integral part of the island’s tourism landscape, offering visitors an authentic connection to Gran Canaria’s maritime heritage.For those seeking a premium catamaran experience that combines safety, comfort, and spectacular scenery, the CARLA delivers an unforgettable journey through some of the Atlantic’s most beautiful waters.

Events, News

Launch of Amber: A New Passenger Boat Built in Jaffna

Launch of Amber: A New Passenger Boat Built in Jaffna Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG) is proud to announce the launch of Amber, a new passenger boat designed by Sabrosa Rain Advanced Technologies and manufactured at the SLYG boatyard in Kait, Jaffna. This launch is particularly significant, as it not only showcases the innovative design and manufacturing expertise of SLYG, but also highlights the impact of vocational training through the Building A Future Foundation (BAFF). The construction of Amber formed part of the training curriculum for young Sri Lankans enrolled in the Jaffna program, giving them hands-on experience in modern boatbuilding techniques and preparing them for careers in the marine industry. The Amber will be operated by Sail Lanka, expanding marine tourism opportunities in northern Sri Lanka. Her primary mission will be to provide island-hopping excursions and tours to Delft Island, one of the most unique destinations in the Jaffna region. Specifications A Step Forward for Jaffna’s Marine Industry The launch of Amber reflects SLYG’s long-term commitment to combining boatbuilding innovation with social impact. By linking the commercial production of vessels with skills training through BAFF, the group ensures that every new project contributes to both industrial development and community empowerment in Sri Lanka. With Amber entering service soon under Sail Lanka, visitors to Jaffna will soon be able to explore Delft Island and beyond in comfort and safety — while the local workforce continues to benefit from new opportunities created by the growing marine leisure sector.

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