UAE-registered boat secures 2nd place in the world's longest and most gruelling sailing race

A UAE-registered boat has secured second place at the Golden Globe Race 2022 (GGR), one of the world’s most challenging sailing races. Helmed by former Indian Navy officer Cmdr. (Retd.) Abhilash Tomy, the boat sailed non-stop around the world in 236 days.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have accomplished such a feat,” said Tomy after finishing.

“This life-changing experience has been challenging beyond measure, but the rewards have been priceless. I hope my journey will inspire others to chase their dreams with passion and determination.”

The boat, sponsored by Abu Dhabi-based geospatial AI solutions provider Bayanat, was a Rustler 36 and carried the race number ‘71’– a tribute to the nation’s founding in 1971.

Kicking off in September at the picturesque Les Sables-d'Olonne port in France, the race had 30 sailors who had initially enrolled, but only 16 were able to make it to the starting line. In a testament to the gruelling nature of the race, only two boats were able to complete the demanding course, with a contender still in the competition.

Second time

This isn’t the first time that Abhilash has attempted this race. In 2018, the decorated officer and specialist maritime reconnaissance pilot was in 3rd position after 82 days, when his boat was damaged in a storm. He suffered a life-threatening injury with a broken spine that required months of rehabilitation.

Abhilash’s journey on the treacherous 30,000 nautical-mile race around the world was an epic saga of resilience and courage. He battled his way through fierce storms, unrelenting isolation, and months of solitude while coping with significant damage to his boat, pushing his seamanship skills to the limit.