13 April,2026 03:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
It marks the first blue water sailing expedition undertaken by an artillery regiment. Pic/Defence PRO
The Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition was flagged off from Marve in Mumbai on Monday as part of the bicentenary celebrations of the Regiment of Artillery, an official statement said on Monday.
The expedition was inaugurated by Lieutenant General N. S. Sarna, Commandant of the School of Artillery and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Regiment.
The expedition also honours the maritime vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting India's strong seafaring heritage and strategic foresight, the statement issued by the Defence PRO said.
This marks the first blue water sailing expedition undertaken by an artillery regiment.
According to the statement, the team will cover a distance of 520 nautical miles along the Konkan coast using 21-foot Seabird class sailing boats. The journey has been divided into four legs:
- Mumbai to Vijaydurg
- Vijaydurg to Goa
- Goa to Vijaydurg
- Vijaydurg to Mumbai
Sailors will travel about seven nautical miles from the coastline, facing varying wind conditions ranging from low to moderate speeds.
The statement said that the initiative aims to promote adventure, leadership and resilience among personnel while marking an important milestone in the regiment's history.
The expedition is led by Captain Kshitij Nair and Subedar Prakash Funde, with ground support managed by Major Vardhan Shidhye.
The crew underwent specialised training at the Heavy Bridge Training Centre in Marve before embarking on the journey.
The mission is being conducted with operational and administrative support from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, ensuring safety and coordination throughout the voyage.
"The crew underwent structured pre-expedition training at the Heavy Bridge Training Centre, Marve. The expedition is being conducted with administrative and operational support from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, the statement said.
The expedition reflects the values of the Indian Army, including teamwork, endurance, adaptability and precision.
"The Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition exemplifies the core attributes of the Indian Army - precision, teamwork, adaptability and endurance, while reinforcing the Indian Army's commitment to promoting adventure, leadership and resilience," the official statement said.
