Two veterans and senior citizens from Andhra Pradesh— Colonel K. Srinivas and Captain C.D.N.V. Prasad — have embarked on a trans-oceanic sailing attempt from New Zealand to India (Visakhapatnam) via countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
They had started the first leg of their journey from Opua Bay (New Zealand) to Savusavu (Fiji) on May 14 in a 34-foot-long boat called ‘Tystie’.
Depending on the weather conditions and winds, they are expected to reach Savusavu in the next 12 to 13 days, subject to some dog-legged sailing.
Sea route
Their passage route includes port of call at Savusavu (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Solomon Islands, Kupang (Indonesia), Bali (Indonesia), Penang (Malaysia), Langkawi (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair).
They are likely to meet several Telugu expatriates, or people of Indian origin, at various ports.
Both are from the 63rd course of the National Defence Academy in 1980 and are alumni of Sainik School in Korukonda, near here (1971 batch).
Their boat is currently registered in Poland, but will be converted to Indian registration and will be renamed ‘Visakha’ (in honour of the Visakhapatnam Port) upon reaching Visakhapatnam later this year.
“This is a remarkable trans-oceanic sailing effort undertaken by two senior Indian citizens. Their example will inspire many young and old to take to the seas,” a PIB spokesperson said on Saturday (May 17).
The long Andhra coast, dotted with small and big ports, beaches and coastal villages, had great potential for maritime tourism, and the entire spectrum of the blue economy, a defence official said.
Published - May 17, 2025 08:18 pm IST
