Building A Future Foundation

Author name: BAFF

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Ocean Voyager Delivers Sodade II to TUI in Cape Verde

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Ocean Voyager Delivers Sodade II to TUI in Cape Verde At Ocean Voyager, we take pride in crafting catamarans that bring people closer to the sea while creating unforgettable moments. This summer, we are proud to see one of our latest builds—the Sodade II, a 64’ Ocean Voyager catamaran—set sail in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, operated by our valued partner TUI. A Partnership Built on Trust TUI is one of the world’s leading travel and leisure companies, and we are delighted to have them as a client. With Sodade II, TUI was looking for a vessel that could deliver both comfort and adventure for their guests in Cape Verde. Our Ocean Voyager 64 was the perfect fit: spacious, reliable, and designed to perform beautifully in warm, tropical waters. Tailor-Made for Guest Experiences The Sodade II is more than a catamaran—it’s an experience platform. TUI guests can now enjoy: By combining the stability and comfort of our Ocean Voyager design with TUI’s renowned hospitality, Sodade II offers a product that reflects the best of both worlds. Designed for Memorable Moments Every feature of the Ocean Voyager 64 has been engineered with guest experience in mind: wide deck spaces for sunbathing, shaded areas for relaxing, and a layout that makes swimming stops easy and enjoyable. The Sodade II allows TUI to host guests in a way that feels intimate yet spacious, adventurous yet secure. Looking Ahead We are proud to see Sodade II already making waves in Boa Vista and delivering exceptional experiences for TUI’s customers. At Ocean Voyager, we see every delivery not just as a boat, but as the beginning of countless journeys at sea. To TUI, we say thank you for trusting Ocean Voyager to be part of your vision. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and bringing more extraordinary sailing experiences to life around the world. Read more here: https://www.tui.co.uk/things-to-do/sal/sal-island-catamaran-cruise-with-all-inclusive-drinks-and-snacks-175315/

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Sea Leisure Yachting Group – Navigating Marine Tourism in Sri Lanka to new horizon

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At Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG), we sail to navigate marine tourism to new horizons. The ocean is our playground. We are a pioneer in marine leisure and yacht manufacturing in Sri Lanka. The origin of SLYG comes from the Building A Future Foundation, started by Mr. Pierre Pringiers in 2005 after the Tsunami. BAFF is aiming to improve the living conditions of underprivileged youths depending on the resources of the Ocean by create a sailing culture in the island and developing a yachting industry from boat building, sails and masts making… to the creation of the infrastructure (mini-marinas) and charter services. BAFF leads research in different fields, mainly focusing on the yachting industry and finances the creations of small SME’s. The first one of which was Mirissa Water Sport who was the first and pioneer whale watching company in Mirissa and led to the development of an entire industry with now over 60 licensed boats operating from Mirissa. BAFF also provides training in different areas: boat building including fiberglass infusion, mechanical and electrical engineering. BAFF training center in Kabalana, is training between around 100 youth per year. The Foundation has recently opened a second training center in Jaffna, to replicate the success story from the South in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. Since 2014, SLYG operates through 4 key verticals which contribute to Sri Lanka’s nautical sector and the global yacht industry. We also collaborate with operators in the global boat building industry to bring projects to life and support other companies with their manufacturing needs for the Asian market including mold and prototype development and testing.  Boat design and manufacture Baff Polymech has developed and manufactured 5 types of boats in three fully equipped boatyards in Sri Lanka around the islands. Established in 2008, SLYG manufacturing arm is capable of constructing light and rigid sailing catamarans, using high- tech materials and vacuum infusion technology. Polymech Pvt Ltd is also a manufacturer of rubber and polyurethane industrial products, sails, mechanical engineering and composite products for export. The company is the first and largest Sri Lankan boat manufacturing company to use Infusion technology.  SLYG is producing the following brands: Ocean Diamond 27 The 26.6 M catamaran is equipped with 12 cabins with enclosed bathrooms and can host up to 26 guests. The sailing floating boutique hotel is an innovative platform where your boat is your transport, hotel, or private home and entertainment platform all at once. Ceycat The CEYCAT formula is matched perfectly for a comfortable and spacious layout, with a reduced carbon footprint in design and manufacturing. Concept ideas steer toward a certain design that is needed in the market.  From 47 to 55 feet, our Ceycat range is highly customizable, from 4 to 8 guests cabins to day charter, the Ceycat range offers many possibilities and extra features such as jetski launcher, bar area, bbq, etc. The Ceycat range is ideal for chartering, family getaway, and experiencing the joy of sailing. Pulse range The Minibee brand sailboats were designed by Sabrosa in France and developed and manufactured in Sri Lanka using the most advanced boat building technologies. The first model was based on the min transat 6.5 m class. Powerful, fast and fun to sail. The Minibee 6.5 meters and cabin version are also available with hull and deck made of 90% of natural renewable jute fiber. Leisure with boat chartering Sail Lanka Charter operates a fleet of 10 boats in Sri Lankan waters all year around, from Mirissa, Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Pasikudah. From high speed inflatable tender or dingy to the 53 feet catamarans but also on the Ocean Diamond 27 equipped with 10 luxury cabins. SLC is the leader and pioneer in the day and multi-day charter market in Sri Lanka. SLC is offering luxury sailing cruise around the island where guests can discover the beautiful coastlines of Sri Lanka, enjoying marine lifestyle and guided by our local and experienced crew. Joint ventures SLYG collaborates with other global boat builders to bring different projects to life. We are currently partnered with Grand Large Yachting to produce the Ocean Voyager range of yachts. The Group is also collaborating with other companies in rope and sails making, research and design, fiberglass structures, etc. Marina management SLYG is currently managing 2 marinas in Mirissa and Colombo from where we operate our fleet but also provide services and maintenance to visiting vessels. SLYG has been, since 2015, the forerunner who is instrumental in the development of the yacht chartering business in the Sri Lankan waters. Our mission is to employ sustainable practices to develop Sri Lanka into a global hub for yacht manufacturing, charters, yacht harbouring and other yacht-related services. SLYG recently exhibited at the Dubai International Boat Show where we established more regional contacts for our boats, allowing the Group to expand. The Group is now developing the charter business in new markets such as the Maldives and India coupled with expanding our boat sales into the Asian and Gulf markets.

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20 Years of Commitment, 68 Diplomas, and a Room Full of Futures

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From Training to Transformation On November 1, 2024, the Building A Future Foundation (BAFF) Training Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary with a graduation ceremony at the Kabalana Hotel. This symbolic event marked a key moment in the history of BAFF, which for two decades has played a fundamental role in the training and professional integration of Sri Lanka’s youth. More than just a graduation ceremony, the event highlighted the very essence of BAFF: offering young people solid prospects for the future, from their first steps in the maritime world to access to stable, qualified employment. Founded by Pierre Pringiers and Dr. Tissa Jinasena, BAFF has enabled thousands of young people from modest backgrounds to forge a future for themselves through a progressive, structured apprenticeship. From an early age, they are introduced to the sea by learning to swim and sail on Minibees, before moving on to specialized training in shipbuilding, sailmaking, marine maintenance and boat management. This pathway enables them to develop practical and technical skills that will accompany them throughout their lives. A New Generation Setting Sail The class of 2024, made up of 68 graduates, bears witness to this mission of transmission and support. This year, BAFF trained new talent in several strategic areas: technical versatility, shipbuilding, and skills development in Jaffna. These young people are not just students; they represent the future of the Sri Lankan marine industry, and the next generation of professionals who will ensure the sector’s longevity. At the ceremony, Pierre Pringiers himself presented the students with their diplomas, underlining the importance of their careers and their central role in the SLYG ecosystem. For while BAFF was founded 20 years ago with the aim of training and nurturing a new generation of professionals, today it is thanks to these young people that the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG), Ocean Voyager and Sail Lanka exist and thrive. BAFF: The Beating Heart of SLYG This unique symbiosis between training and the nautical industry means that every BAFF graduate finds a secure, skilled job, directly with the companies that make up the SLYG ecosystem. Some become catamaran builders at Ocean Voyager, others join Sail Lanka to sail and operate the boats they have helped to build. Each stage of their apprenticeship is designed to ensure a stable career, guaranteeing continuity and sustainable growth for the whole group. This anniversary and graduation are therefore of particular significance. BAFF is not just a foundation, it is the beating heart of everything SLYG stands for today. Through their successes, an entire ecosystem is growing and strengthening.Shaping not only their future, but that of the entire Sri Lankan yachting industry.

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Ocean Voyager International Receives Presidential Export Award

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A Milestone for the Sri Lankan Maritime Industry Ocean Voyager International (Pvt) Ltd has been adjudged the Best Exporter in the Boat and Pleasure Craft building category at the 26th Presidential Export Awards held on 7 February 2025, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) Colombo. This coveted award, presented to Sri Lankan exporters by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in recognition of their contributions to the national economy and international trade, is the highest national award for exporters in Sri Lanka.Ocean Voyager International has been creating innovative, well-crafted, and sustainable yachts and catamarans since its inception. This accolade is evidence of the company’s commitment to preserving exacting industry standards whilst providing top class vessels to customers across the globe. The Presidential Export Awards, which were first initiated in 1981, are specifically designed to acknowledge exporters who are contributing to the Sri Lankan economic development. The 26th edition attracted more than 1,500 participants, including government officials, diplomats and industry leaders, underlining how important the event is to the country’s business landscape. Looking Ahead: A Global Vision for Sustainable Growth It strengthens the position of Ocean Voyager International as a pioneer in the Sri Lankan maritime industry proving their demonstration to compete globally. Sri Lanka is a rising star in the manufacture of quality craft, with the company’s specialisation in catamaran manufacturing, design innovation and engineering excellence.Ocean Voyager International is not only interested in economic impact, but also committed to ethic production methods, the use of advanced materials and energy-efficient solutions in its boat-building processes. This aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader goal of promoting environmentally responsible industries while expanding its export potential.Although the top honor, the Presidential Export Award, is major recognition for Ocean Voyager International, it is also encouragement to strive for continuous improvement. The company is committed to enhancing its technological capabilities, growing global partnerships and supporting the development of the Sri Lankan maritime economy. This is not only a milestone for Ocean Voyager International but a recognition of Sri Lanka’s growing stature as a preferred destination for quality yacht and boat manufacturing on a global platform.

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À la découverte du détroit de Palk en CRUISER

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Le détroit de Palk est cette langue de terre brisée qui sépare l’Etat indien du Tamil Nadu du nord du Sri Lanka. Le tourisme y est rare, le nautisme à peu près absent : ce qu’on appelle une destination confidentielle. By SLYG Jun 16, 2024, 8:28 pm

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SAILING IN SRI LANKA by yachtsme.com

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Captain Steve Holmes reports on the island country’s boat building industry. By SLYG 23, 2023, 7:00 pm Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an exquisite tropical island with a rich seafaring and fishing heritage. Although times have been hard, to assist the islanders after the 2004 Tsunami, the Building A Future Foundation (BAFF) was created to help get people back on their feet. Rather than gift boats, it was decided to assist the Sri Lankan people in designing and making their own craft and providing a foundation to train local boat builders working to international standards. Read More -> https://yachtsme.com/articles/sailing-in-sri-lanka/?utm_source=Yachts&utm_campaign=d4fe005881-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_30_05_43&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d4fe005881-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

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A Wind of Hope from the North: SLYG Welcomes the First India–Sri Lanka Sailing Crossing in Jaffna

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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.

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