Sailing solo around the world is considered the maritime equivalent of scaling the Everest. Commander Dilip Donde of the Indian Navy is undertaking this rigorous, risky challenge of circumnavigating alone around the globe. Slated to be home in May, he will be the first Indian to have achieved such a feat. Now on the last leg of his voyage, Commander Donde writes to TSI’s Anu Gulmohar from his yacht Mhadei…
Tell us about your voyage. When did you set out? When are you expected to complete your journey?
I left Mumbai on 19 August ’09, stopped over at Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Hope to be back by end May ’10.
You were involved with the construction of your boat Mhadei. Tell us, what makes Mhadei perfect for such a long, difficult journey?
At 56 ft, Mhadei is a fairly large boat, which makes her fast and roomy. She is well-equipped, with all the modern navigation and communication equipment, and is easy to handle alone.
Most importantly, I have seen her grow and been involved right from the beginning. I know her well, which makes it easier to deal with the inevitable breakdowns and problems.
How long did it take to plan for the voyage?
I volunteered for this project in April 2006 and have been working on it full-time since December ’06.
How did you train for the voyage?
In September-October ’06, I went and worked with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston when he was preparing to take part in the Velux 5 Oceans – The Ultimate Solo Challenge. That gave me a fairly good idea as to what was required of the boat. As I could find time while the boat was being constructed, I tried sailing on any boat I could lay my hands on and finally landed up doing two trips between Mumbai and Kochi. Once Mhadei was ready, I sailed her through the trials, a trip to Colombo and back with a crew, followed by a trip to Mauritius with a crew with a solo return passage. There was, however, no formal training. It was mostly learning on the job, on your own!
In what ways did Sir Robin Knox Johnston help you with the project?
When we started the project we had very little idea about the whole thing. It’s only when I went and worked with Sir Robin that I started getting an idea as to what was required. He visited Mumbai in February ’07, when we were selecting the design, and gave a lot of suggestions. He again visited Goa in February ’09, once Mhadei was ready, sailed her for over a week, tuned the boat and suggested a whole lot of improvements. In between, we had been in touch regularly taking advice on selection of equipment, modifications and improvements to the boat, route planning and a whole lot of things. He has been and continues to remain closely associated with the project and apart from the boat construction and sailing, has taught me a whole lot of things about life itself!
The desire to sail solo around the world is in no way an everyday ambition. Have you always wanted to do this?
I had been interested in the idea of sailing across the oceans, as probably many of us dream. So, when the idea of this project was mentioned, it sounded so fascinating that I just said yes without a second thought, without really having any idea as to what I was getting into!
What is a regular day in the life of a solo voyager like?
Each day is different from the other depending on the weather, any problems in the boat, repairs or maintenance required, your geographical location etc. Some things remain common of course that along with sailing the boat you need to feed yourself, do any repairs or maintenance required and catch up on as much sleep as you can because you never know when you will need to stay awake next. So you try and adjust everything as best as you can.
Have you had any scary adventures till now?
Far more than I would like to remember!
How do you handle loneliness and boredom?
I don't need to handle them because they really don't affect me much. There is plenty to do on the boat most of the time. When there is time on hand, there is always a book to catch up on, a movie to watch, enjoy the sea, watch the birds or even answer question like these ones! Loneliness and boredom have never been a problem!
Once you finish this mission, what do you plan to do next?
Since the beginning of the project I have restricted my horizon to completing the trip safely and tried not to think beyond it as otherwise things were getting too much to handle. So, let me finish the trip first, and there is still a long way to go, then we will see!
What is the secret of the survivor?
I haven't got the foggiest idea really!
Tell us about your voyage. When did you set out? When are you expected to complete your journey?
I left Mumbai on 19 August ’09, stopped over at Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Hope to be back by end May ’10.
You were involved with the construction of your boat Mhadei. Tell us, what makes Mhadei perfect for such a long, difficult journey?
At 56 ft, Mhadei is a fairly large boat, which makes her fast and roomy. She is well-equipped, with all the modern navigation and communication equipment, and is easy to handle alone.
Most importantly, I have seen her grow and been involved right from the beginning. I know her well, which makes it easier to deal with the inevitable breakdowns and problems.
How long did it take to plan for the voyage?
I volunteered for this project in April 2006 and have been working on it full-time since December ’06.
How did you train for the voyage?
In September-October ’06, I went and worked with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston when he was preparing to take part in the Velux 5 Oceans – The Ultimate Solo Challenge. That gave me a fairly good idea as to what was required of the boat. As I could find time while the boat was being constructed, I tried sailing on any boat I could lay my hands on and finally landed up doing two trips between Mumbai and Kochi. Once Mhadei was ready, I sailed her through the trials, a trip to Colombo and back with a crew, followed by a trip to Mauritius with a crew with a solo return passage. There was, however, no formal training. It was mostly learning on the job, on your own!
In what ways did Sir Robin Knox Johnston help you with the project?
When we started the project we had very little idea about the whole thing. It’s only when I went and worked with Sir Robin that I started getting an idea as to what was required. He visited Mumbai in February ’07, when we were selecting the design, and gave a lot of suggestions. He again visited Goa in February ’09, once Mhadei was ready, sailed her for over a week, tuned the boat and suggested a whole lot of improvements. In between, we had been in touch regularly taking advice on selection of equipment, modifications and improvements to the boat, route planning and a whole lot of things. He has been and continues to remain closely associated with the project and apart from the boat construction and sailing, has taught me a whole lot of things about life itself!
The desire to sail solo around the world is in no way an everyday ambition. Have you always wanted to do this?
I had been interested in the idea of sailing across the oceans, as probably many of us dream. So, when the idea of this project was mentioned, it sounded so fascinating that I just said yes without a second thought, without really having any idea as to what I was getting into!
What is a regular day in the life of a solo voyager like?
Each day is different from the other depending on the weather, any problems in the boat, repairs or maintenance required, your geographical location etc. Some things remain common of course that along with sailing the boat you need to feed yourself, do any repairs or maintenance required and catch up on as much sleep as you can because you never know when you will need to stay awake next. So you try and adjust everything as best as you can.
Have you had any scary adventures till now?
Far more than I would like to remember!
How do you handle loneliness and boredom?
I don't need to handle them because they really don't affect me much. There is plenty to do on the boat most of the time. When there is time on hand, there is always a book to catch up on, a movie to watch, enjoy the sea, watch the birds or even answer question like these ones! Loneliness and boredom have never been a problem!
Once you finish this mission, what do you plan to do next?
Since the beginning of the project I have restricted my horizon to completing the trip safely and tried not to think beyond it as otherwise things were getting too much to handle. So, let me finish the trip first, and there is still a long way to go, then we will see!
What is the secret of the survivor?
I haven't got the foggiest idea really!
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