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Good news for our community of veterans.
We should be proud of such soldiers
Indian naval officer on world tour reaches NZ
Indian naval officer on world tour reaches NZ
Commander Dilip Dhonde of the Indian Navy, the first Indian
to attempt to circumnavigate the world alone, yesterday
reached Christchurch in New Zealand after covering
9,000 nautical miles.
A large crowd, including several Indians, welcomed Dhonde
at Lyttelton Port of Christchurch. His last port call was at
Fremantle Port in western Australia from where he set off
Nov 1.
“Mhadei, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, along with Dhonde
at the helm entered Lyttelton Port today (Saturday). He will
set sail for Falkland Islands (South Atlantic Ocean) Dec 6
after tending to the various maintenance requirements of the
boat,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander P.V.S. Satish
told IANS here.
Dhonde, 42, embarked on the solo circumnavigation of the
world on Aug 19 this year from Mumbai. Less than 300 people
the world over have succeeded in this endeavour till date,
with this being the first attempt for an Indian.
Speaking about his experience on his blog, Dhonde said:
“Since the last three days winds gusting to 55 knots,
swell - 8 to 9 metres, temperature below 10 degree Celsius.
Stay sail came down yesterday probably due broken halyard,
waiting for winds to reduce to put it up. Starboard wheel had
to be disconnected as the base holding its ram connection to
the rudder broke in heavy weather so one electronic autopilot
less and no Wind Vane autopilot.”
“Port, and only, autopilot groaning badly and threatening
to rip its base out! Doing over 8 knots with just 1/3 of main
sail, 03 reefs, and still getting overpowered at times!
Forecast predicts winds to reduce after tomorrow, keeping
my fingers crossed!” adds Dhonde.
Mhadei, during her voyage of over 21,600 nautical miles
(38,880 km) under sail will take on the exceptional winds
and swell which are prevalent especially below 60 degree
south latitude called the Screaming 60s.
“This feat is often compared to conquering of Everest
(the highest peak in the world) yet ironically is one that
requires greater mettle and much longer time. The perils
of the capricious sea and the vagaries of the unpredictable
weather in a lonely sailboat become the canvas where this
Herculean challenge to the human spirit unravels,”
Satish added.
“Mhadei will sail for approximately nine months and is
stopping at only four ports - Fremantle (Australia),
Christchurch (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands)
and Cape Town (South Africa) before returning to Mumbai,”
the spokesperson added.
There are four pre-requisites to qualify for a circumnavigation
voyage. First, it should start and end in the same port -
Mumbai in this case - crossing all meridians of longitude at
least once and the equator at least twice.
Second, the distance covered should be more than the length of a
meridian, 21,600 nautical miles. Third, the boat should not pass
through any canals or straits, where use of engines or towing
would be unavoidable. And fourth, the boat should round the
three Great Capes - Cape Leuwin (Australia), Cape Horn
(South America) and Cape of Good Hope (Africa). — IANS
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
Mob.098554-09128,Tele-Fax.0175-5000896.
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