GGR 2022 has concluded with the final two participants crossing the finish line - in the French port of Les Sables D'olonnes
and a historic race has drawn to a close.
Cdr Abhilash Tomy, the intrepid Indian Navy sailor who was injured in GGR 2018, resolved to enter the race again in 2022 after undergoing complex surgery
and has proven to himself and the world that he 'could do it'- with a flourish.
In this episode (which was recorded prior to the conclusion of the race) Vice Admiral IC Rao who has been a 'sutradhar' for those following GGR 2022 explains in rich detail the sailing conditions in the Bay of Biscay and the challenges faced by the finalists.
This race is deemed to be the world’s most challenging ocean sailing race , where finalists cover nearly 26,000 nautical miles – or almost 52,000 kms across the three oceans. GGR 2022 will conclude around April 29.
The final phase is nail-biting, with the three participants metaphorically in a neck-to-neck position, as they race towards the French port village Les Sable D’olonne.
The two leading boats can be deemed podium winners, irrespective of who glides in first towards the finish line and both Ms. Kirsten , the woman sailor from South Africa and Cdr. Abhilash from India are to be commended for their grit and perseverance.
However, as in all matters maritime – the oceans can come up with uncertainties and surprises – so we must wait for the official results .
In today’s chat we are glad to introduce our two guests Vice Admiral IC Rao – the ‘sutradhar’ for those in India following GGR 2022 . For those who heard the first podcast, he needs no introduction – a sailing enthusiast whose knowledge of the domain is deep and extensive.
Our second guest is Ms. Kshama Fernandes, a high octane finance professional and founding member of Northern Arc Capital which she headed for a decade from 2012 to 2022. Among other feathers in her cap, Kshama is among the very few non military Indian women sailors who have crossed the Atlantic in a sailboat. She did this in 2016 with a four-member all woman crew.
Omkar Bhole from ORCA speaks with Commodore C Uday Bhaskar on the topic of India-China competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Commodore Bhaskar elaborates on China’s assertiveness in IOR as a result of its rising maritime strength. The discussion ranges from China’s growing naval expenditure especially on modernization, to its surveillance ship being docked at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. Commodore Bhaskar opines that all these developments have created serious security concerns for India and it must act soon to counter China’s maritime challenge in the IOR.
