Indian Navy officer sets sail for global circumnavigation race
New Delhi, July 1: Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy, who has solo circumnavigation of the globe to his credit, set sail on a unique voyage on Sunday as the only invitee from Asia to participate in the Golden Globe Race (GGR).
It is the first time that India is participating in the race which commenced from Les Sables d'Olonne harbour in France and is expected to complete at the same location in April 2019.
According to an official statement from the Indian Navy, the participants are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop.
"The uniqueness of the race is that boat designs and technology newer than 1968 is not permitted, hence use of Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication, navigational aids, etc is forbidden," the statement said.
The GGR is being conducted by Sir Robin Knox Johnston of UK to commemorate 50 years since the world's first solo non-stop circumnavigation was undertaken by him in 1968 on-board the Indian built boat, Suhaili.
One of India's most prominent sailors, Cdr Tomy will be sailing on the indigenously built sailing vessel 'Thuriya' which is a replica of Suhaili.
"The boat showcases India's boat building capability on the world forum and promotes the 'Make in India' initiative," the statement said.
Cdr Tomy has covered 53,000 nautical miles under sail, including a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2012-13 on-board Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei.
He is also a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, MacGregor and Tenzing Norgay awards.
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Mother, daughter clear 2nd PUC together in Bantwal
Bantwal: In a rare and notable achievement, a mother and her daughter from Bantwal taluk have passed the 2nd PUC examinations in the same year.
Hemashree R, a student of Government Pre-University College in B Mooda, appeared for the examination in the Arts stream and scored 562 marks out of 600. She is reported to have topped her college.
Her mother, Nethravathi VR, a resident of Kaikamba in BC Road, also appeared for the examination this year as a private candidate with the aim of completing her 2nd PUC.
Nethravathi’s husband Ravikumar, who serves as the head teacher of Nandavara Government Primary School, expressed happiness and pride over the achievement of both his wife and daughter.
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