It is not difficult to stay mentally and….

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023 adminjp

It is not difficult to stay mentally and physically fit when there are no people around you

Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian and second Asian to win the prestigious Golden Globe Race, shared his journey and experiences of the historic event with with C. Rajesh for Kerala Calling . From his passion for single-handed sailing to his rigorous preparation for the race, Abhilash described the challenges he faced and overcame during the arduous, solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. He also discussed the personal significance of his victory and his hopes for inspiring the next generation of sailors in India, particularly from Kerala.

Congratulations Abhilash. Can you share with us the journey that led you to participate in this historic event and how you prepared for it?

Thank you! I was interested in single handed sailing since 1999 and I got a chance to do a nonstop circumnavigation in 2012- 13 thanks to the navy. The next challenge naturally would be to do single handed races. GGR was such an opportunity.

To participate in the Golden Globe Race, sailors must have experience in offshore sailing and complete qualifying races. In addition, they must have a seaworthy boat that meets the race’s specifications and safety requirements.

Preparing for the race requires extensive training, both physical and mental, including navigation and survival training. I would need to ensure that my boat had all the necessary safety gear, communication equipment, and provisions to sustain me during the race.

During the race, participants face various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, technical problems with their boats, and the mental and physical strain of being alone at sea for extended periods. I would need to have a high level of skill, determination, and bravery to complete the race.

Overall, the Golden Globe Race is considered one of the most challenging sailing events in the world, and completing it would be an incredible accomplishment.

The sea is very predictable. And it is not difficult to stay mentally and physically fit when there are no people around you.

Throughout the race, you must have faced numerous challenges and experienced some unforgettable moments. Can you share with us some of the most difficult situations you encountered and how you overcame them

There were many problems with the boat and I found solutions to them using spares on board.

As a proud representative of Kerala and India, what significance does this victory hold for you on a personal level, and how do you think it will inspire the next generation of sailors from the region

It means a lot to me. I hope this serves as an inspiration for the next generation of sailors.

The Golden Globe Race is known for its arduous, solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. How did you maintain your physical and mental well-being during this long and demanding journey, especially when facing the unpredictability of the seas?