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Fibreglass boats turned out in Negombo are now exported to Norway and other parts of Northern Europe
Lanka steera the way
By Esther Williams
When Norwegian Jostien Viksund's father and Neil Fernando, both boat builders from different parts of the world, met in Trincomalee 25 years ago, they decided they would meet again. When Jostien stopped in Sri Lanka en-route to another part of Asia five years ago, he looked up Neil Fernando and the meeting resulted in their joint venture.

And so at a boat-building yard in Negombo, Viksund Asia (Pvt) Ltd turns out some of the world's finest fibreglass boats. About 20 boats are made to order each week and exported to Norway and other parts of Northern Europe, says Managing Director Jostien Viksund. The nearby Negombo lagoon is ideal for test runs.

Having started four years ago in collaboration with Neil Marine Services, the company initially made large fishing boats for Europe. Realising that freight charges were higher when the boats were bigger than the shipping containers, they shifted their focus to small pleasure boats, 8-25 feet long, commonly used for sport, fishing and leisure.

For the many who enjoy life at sea, there's nothing more invigorating than a boating or yachting trip. Contrary to common opinion, this fascinating sport is not restricted to the rich and famous. There are boats designed to suit various budgets and in places like Norway, which has a lengthy coastline, it is not uncommon for people to own boats like others own cars.

So why build the boats in Sri Lanka? "For the same reason that many European countries are moving their production to Asia - “better labour costs," explains Jostien, adding that they received support from their country for the venture. While the more sophisticated projects like yacht-building are carried out in their parent company in Strusshamn, outside Bergen in Western Norway and other units in Portugal and Canada, the smaller boats are made in Negombo.

Hailing from a family of boat builders, Jostien acquired his designing skills on the job. "I was born into a boat," he laughs. As for designing, "it is a gift that you are born with," he says. "A boat has to look good, have sufficient storage room, be easy to operate, comfortable to steer and should not be too heavy."

But how does he feel about working in Sri Lanka? "I'm half Sri Lankan," the Norwegian smiles, referring to his Lankan wife and child. It however took him some time to get used to working with the local lads who are used to fishing boats that are strong and sturdy. "A scratch is often disregarded. I needed to tell them how important it was to be perfect." He now has two full-time personnel looking into quality control.

'580 BowRider', a new prototype being made for the season, easily accommodates four people with seats for the pilot, a side pilot and two additional seats. There is also a dining area. A little teak has been used for trimming the seats, table and hatchet. The 70 hp boat can go at a speed of 35 knots.

The floor of the boat is above sea level with a self-draining facility that rainwater automatically goes into. The boat cannot sink because of air tanks within the boat. Further, all Viksund boats have a red strip that reflects light, enhancing their safety system and sea going quality.

About 150 workers are employed in the Negombo yard, some of whom were sent to Norway for training. Fibreglass and polyester used to make the boats are imported from Singapore and Taiwan. Most customers prefer fibreglass boats as they can be kept outside all through the year and are easy to maintain unlike wood. The boats are thus durable, although it depends on how one uses and maintains them.

Almost 15 types of boats are made at Viksund Asia, the larger ones having facilities for sleeping, washing and cooking. Most of them are made to fit the size of a container as those larger have to be sent without a container, thereby increasing freight charges. Boats packed in containers, each carrying 8-10 are delivered directly to the customers.

Jostien emphasised the special features of the Viksund boats: "Our boats are strong at sea and are ideally suited for the youth to sail in summer as they are small and consume less petrol." Most of the work is done by hand in Sri Lanka unlike in Europe where they use spray machines.

The factory in Negombo is gearing up with new designs for the next season, costing from US $ 1000 to 6000. Big boats of 25 feet with many facilities can cost up to $50,000. Plans are in the pipeline (one year from now) for building yachts with three rooms, kitchen and a large deck. Customers however will have to come to Sri Lanka to pick them up.

Established in 1966, Viksund is one of Norway's largest suppliers of leisure craft and commercial vessels, reputed for their practical and seagoing qualities. Over the years they have acquired a name that stands for 'safety at sea’.

Will Sri Lanka ever make it in water sports? The tourist industry is not as big as in some of the European countries where water sports figures prominently. It can be developed if the big hotels choose to do so. However it would require high investment and a foolproof safety system. "I can see it happening in the next five years," speculates Jostien.

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