Historic achievement in Golden Globe race; proud moment for Abhilash

PARIS: Malayali sailor Abhilash Tomy creates history after finishing second in the Golden Globe sailing race. Forty-four-year-old Abhilash is the first Indian and Asian to complete the Golden Globe Race alone in a rowboat, around the world without the aid of modern equipment and without stopping anywhere. Abhilash's 'Bayanat' arrived at the French port of Le Sable Delon yesterday at around 10.30 am Indian time.

Abhilash started from Le Sable Delon port on 4th September 2022 and covered 26,000 nautical miles (about 48,000 km) in 236 days, 14 hours and 46 minutes.

South African woman Kirsten Neuschäfer finished first in this year's Golden Globe race. Kirsten, who finished Thursday night, became the first woman to finish the Golden Globe race. A total of sixteen people had come to compete in the Golden Globe Race 2022 and 13 of them could not complete the race.

Great comeback

Abhilash Tomy was unable to complete the race due to an accident in 2018. Abhilash's boat broke down in rough seas in the Indian Ocean and he injured his spine from a fall. He had to get a titanium rod attached to his spine because of the injury. Abhilash is happy that he was able to successfully complete the race this time even though there were crises including accidents. His brother Aneesh and representatives of UAE-based 'Bayanat' who were the sponsors were present at Le Sable Delon to welcome Abhilash.

Abhilash lives in Goa with his wife Urmimala who is a native of Bengal and his sons Vedant and Abraneel. His father who is a retired Navy officer VC Tomy and his mother Vatsamma resides at Udayamperoor Kandanad, Ernakulam.