VISAKHAPATNAM: In a tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s rich maritime legacy, two retired defence officers and alumni of Sainik School Korukonda have embarked on a trans-oceanic sailing expedition from New Zealand to India.
Colonel K Srinivas (Retd), formerly of the Corps of EME, and Captain CDNV Prasad (Retd), Indian Navy, both belonging to the 63rd course of the National Defence Academy (1980), set sail from Opua Bay, New Zealand at 10.00 am (local time, GMT -12) on May 14, 2025 aboard their 34-feet-long sailboat Tystie.
The journey began with the first leg to Savusavu, Fiji, and the veterans anticipate reaching their destination in 12 to 13 days, depending on weather and wind conditions. Their voyage, which spans across the Indo-Pacific, includes planned stops at Savusavu (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Solomon Islands, Kupang and Bali (Indonesia), Penang and Langkawi (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand), and Sri Vijaya Puram, before culminating in India. Vice Admiral MS Pawar (Retd), also an alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, said, “Both officers are proud sons of Telugu soil, and represent the enduring spirit and values of Sainik School Korukonda.”
‘Sailing voyage pays tribute to Vizag’s historical maritime connection’
He also noted that the school, established over six decades ago, has produced many distinguished officers for the Indian Armed Forces, including the late Colonel Santosh Babu, MVC (Posthumous), who displayed extraordinary courage during the Galwan Valley clash.
He said Tystie, currently registered in Poland, will be re-registered in India upon arrival, and is likely to be rechristened Visakha to honour the Port City of Visakhapatnam. “This symbolic gesture pays tribute to the city’s historical maritime connection,” he said. Highlighting the broader potential of this initiative, he remarked, “The Andhra coast, with its numerous ports, beaches, and coastal settlements, holds vast possibilities for marine tourism and the Blue Economy.” He recalled that in 2018, the then CM N Chandrababu Naidu flagged off a water sports enterprise in Visakhapatnam, and expressed hope that the arrival of Visakha would renew momentum for such initiatives. “It also underlines the need for developing dedicated berthing and marina facilities in the city,” he observed.
Pawar said, “This journey, undertaken by two senior citizens who have chosen adventure over retirement, sets an inspiring example for people.”