LONDON: After 236 days of sailing, Abhilash Tomy on board the UAE-registered boat Bayanat has taken second place at the Golden Globe Race, one of the world’s most challenging sailing races.
Former Indian Navy officer Tomy sailed non-stop around the world on the boat sponsored by the Abu Dhabi-based geospatial AI solutions provider.
The boat, a Rustler 36, carried the race number ‘71’ and the UAE ensign – a tribute to the nation’s founding in 1971.
“I am thrilled and honored to have accomplished such a feat,” said Tomy. “This has been quite an extraordinary journey, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me, including my family, friends and legions of fans from the UAE, India and worldwide.”
He continued: “I especially want to thank my sponsors, Bayanat, who made my participation possible, this life-changing experience has been challenging beyond measure, but the rewards have been priceless. I hope my journey will inspire others to chase their dreams with passion and determination.”
Hasan Al-Hosani, CEO of Bayanat, said: “We are immensely proud of Abhilash for making it this far in the Golden Globe Race, which has filled us with immense admiration. Bayanat is truly honored to be a part of such a strong endurance display that tests human limits. Abhilash has brought tremendous joy to the UAE and the Indian community. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.”
The 3rd edition of the GGR commenced on Sept. 4 at Les Sables-d'Olonne port in France.
30 sailors had initially enrolled for the competition, but only 16 were able to make it to the starting line.
In a testament to the grueling nature of the race, only two boats were able to complete the demanding course.
Abhilash’s journey on the 30,000 nautical-mile race around the world was a test of resilience and courage.
In a display of endurance and skill, Abhilash battled his way through storms, isolation, and months of solitude while coping with significant damage to his boat, pushing his seamanship skills to the limit.
Against all odds, he crossed the finish line, a testament to his determination and spirit.
This was Abhilash’s second participation in the Golden Globe Race. In the 2018 edition, after a storm de-masted his boat, he sustained a life-threatening injury that almost left him paralyzed and forced him to withdraw.
Since its inaugural running 1968, the Golden Globe Race dictates contenders sail unaccompanied utilizing technology that was obtainable during its initial edition, thus, forbidding the use of any contemporary equipment and satellite-powered navigation aids.
Along the route, race participants must navigate through the world’s five great capes, notorious for their extreme weather conditions and unpredictable currents, and return to the starting point.
Even with modern equipment, the magnitude of the challenge is so immense that the number of people who have sailed solo around the world is fewer than those who have climbed Mount Everest or journeyed through space.
