The Indian Navy will start its maiden mission of circumnavigation to explore the world through sea with the help of 'Mhadei' yacht which was handed over to the armed forces wing today.
The mission 'Sagar Parikrama' led by commander Dilip Donde will begin on August 15 by the yacht built at Goa's Aquarius Fibreglass ship manufacturing unit. The design of the ship is inspired from Holland.
"Project Sagar Parikrama aims at undertaking the maiden solo circumnavigation under sails by an Indian," Rear Admiral (Retd) M P Awati, who conceptualised the project, told reporters here.
"A solo circumnavigation presents an unique set of challenges and is often compared to climbing the Everest," he said adding that the boat will be tracked by the Navy during the mission.
"It is also true that when the boat is a couple of thousands miles away from land, there is little that can be done to assist her. Hence the insistence on top quality construction, equipment and training," he said.