Tomy to attempt solo non-stop 40,000 km world voyage

The sail ship was first used by Commander Dilip Dhonde about two years back for travelling around the world but that journey included stoppages at certain places.

The Defence Ministry has approved the voyage of the officer, who will be the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe non-stop on sail ship Mhadei which has earlier also seen such voyages, Navy officials said here.

They said Tomy will begin his six-month solo journey around the end of October and will first move eastwards towards Australia from the Indian shores.

As per plans, his first checkpoint-- for logistics and other needs, would be the Cape Leeuwin in South West Australia from where he will proceed to New Zealand and South America before touching Cape of Good Hope in South Africa from where he will return home.

So far only 80 people have undertaken such voyages across the world. The last person to have achieved the feat was Jessica Watson of Australia, who sailed solo and unassisted during her long journey.

Navy officials said the boat has undergone several upgrades and inspection for helping Tomy to accomplish his targets.

Mhadei was last used by Tomy to sail from Kochi to Langkawi in Malaysia where he imparted several important sailing lessons to people.