Golden Globe Race - 2018: Page 6 of 7

Golden Globe Race - 2018 (Update 1)

Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy is representing India in the Golden Globe Race-18 (GGR) on indigenously built sailing vessel ‘Thuriya’. The race commenced on 01 July 2018 from Les Sables d’ Olonne, France and the participants are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop. The race is expected to complete at Les Sables d’Olonne in April 2019. 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 and navigational aids are forbidden. 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 undertaken by him in 1968 onboard the Indian built boat Suhaili. Commander Abhilash Tomy has covered over 53,000 nautical miles under sail, including a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2012-13 onboard INSV Mhadei. He is also a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, Mac Gregor and Tenzing Norgay awards. The name ‘Thuriya’ stands for pure consciousness and is the background that transcends the three common states of consciousness, namely waking consciousness, dreaming and dreamless sleep.