We visited Trincomalee this year, one of roughly 20 yachts to "test" this new port on the cruising circuit.

The locals have not seen a cruising sailboat for more than 26 years, so there were some rough edges to be negotiated with local officials, but they proved admirably flexible and with smiles all round the problems eventually disappeared. I must add thanks to OCC member Behan Gifford for handling some of the touchy negotiations with officials !

This year we heard many complaints from those who chose to visit Galle, in the south, mainly due to difficult and dangerous berthing facilities. In contrast, the harbour in Trincomalle is perfectly sheltered, with clean water, attractive views and good security.

Several short reports on our visit are available through these links :

http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2015/03/relaxing-in-tricomalee.html

http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2015/03/sri-lankan-smiles.html

http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-road-master.html

http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-alfred-normandale-wooden-pilot-boat.html

http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2015/03/travels-in-trincomalee-sri-lanka.html