Navigating Waves, Indian Navy’s Inter-Command Ocean Sailing

Inter-Command Ocean Sailing

The Indian Navy, leading the charge in ocean sailing across India, persists in fostering a spirit of sea-bound adventure. An upcoming Inter-Command Ocean Sailing Race from Kochi to Goa, scheduled from November 22 to 26, 2023, is a testament to this commitment. The event falls under the auspices of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA), headquartered in New Delhi.

Setting Sail:

Organized by the Headquarters, Southern Naval Command (HQSNC), and overseen by the Indian Navy’s Offshore Sailing Club, the race features participation from four 40-footer Indian Naval Sailing Vessels (INSVs): Bulbul, Neelkanth, Kadalpura, and Hariyal. Covering an approximate distance of 360 nautical miles over five days, the race commences at Naval Base, Kochi, and concludes in the vibrant locale of Goa.

Crew and Challenges:

Crew members for these sailing expeditions are carefully chosen from volunteers boasting substantial sea sailing experience. Ocean sailing, recognized for its rigorous nature, serves not only as an adventure sport testing participant limits but also as a platform for enhancing risk-management skills. The deployment of ocean sailing yachts by the Indian Navy serves a dual purpose, fostering a spirit of adventure while refining essential seamanship and machinery management skills among the crew.

Participants and Diversity:

A total of 32 personnel, including eight women officers/Agniveers, form the intrepid crew for this challenging race aboard the four participating INSVs. Each vessel’s crew comprises eight personnel representing the Navy’s three Commands, along with a collaborative team from the Andaman and Nicobar Command and NHQ. The participants span various ranks, with the most senior being a Commodore and the most junior an Agniveer.

Seafaring Values:

The Indian Navy strongly holds that sailing on these compact vessels is the most effective way to instill an “indescribable sea-sense” and nurture respect for the elements of nature. These elements are considered inseparable from safe and prosperous seafaring. Moreover, these sailing expeditions aim to instill core values such as courage, camaraderie, endurance, and esprit-de-corps among the nascent naval personnel.

Conclusion: Inter-Command Ocean Sailing

As the Indian Navy sets sail on this inter-command ocean racing venture, it not only showcases its dedication to sea-based adventures but also underscores the significance of conquering challenges presented by the open waters. Through such initiatives, the Navy continues to cultivate a robust and adept cadre, instilling in them the values essential for triumphant seafaring and an enduring admiration for the capricious yet majestic sea.

BANNER ads

Download 500+ Free Ebooks (Limited Offer)👇

X