Golden Globe Race

  • April 30, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Golden Globe Race

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Why in News?

Commander Abhilash Tomy (retd.) created history as the first Indian to complete the Golden Globe Race on April 29, finishing in second place after a gruelling 236 days alone at sea in his sail boat named Bayanat. South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer also became the first woman to win the Golden Globe Race (GGR), a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe without using any modern technological aids, recreating the 1960s on the high seas.

About Golden Globe Race (GGR)

  • The historic race is being conducted by the K.’s Sir Robin Knox Johnston, to commemorate the world’s first solo non-stop circumnavigation undertaken by him in 1968, onboard the Indian-built boat Suhaili.
  • Participants in the GGR 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 are not permitted.
  • Also the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication and navigational aids are forbidden in the 30,000 mile journey.
  • The sailors each have a satellite phone and emergency locator beacons to be used for medical emergencies only.
  • Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts, between 32 ft and 36 ft, designed prior to 1988 with a full-length keel with a rudder.
  • Equipment similar to what was available to Sir Robin in that first race was to be used.
  • 16 sailors from 11 countries depart from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France.
  • Sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne.

About Cdr.Abhilash Tommy

  • Abilash Tommy is the only Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2012-13, onboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei, covering 53,000 nautical miles under sail.
  • The naval veteran had been critically injured in a storm when he competed in the GGR in 2018 and had a spinal injury. The mast of his boat Thuriyabroke due to extremely rough weather and sea conditions.
Golden Globe Race History