Abhilash Tomy Biography 
Abhilash Tomy is an Indian Naval Officer and a sailor from Kerala. He is only the first Indian and second Asian to complete a solo, unassisted, non-stop circumnavigation under sail. He is also the 79th person across the world to do so. He is a recipient of numerous honours including Kirti Chakra, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and MacGregor Medal. Currently he serves as commander in Indian Navy. In 2018, he came to spotlight after he became the only Asian to participate in Golden Globe Race this season. On September 23, 2018 he hit headlines after his boat Thuriya was hit and overturned by a massive storm. He was sailing at position three when his boat was hit, disrupting his journey. He was injured also, and currently efforts are being carried out to rescue India’s best sailor.
Commander Abhilash Tomy was born on 5 Feb 1979 in Kandanad in Trippunithura, Ernakulam district, Kerala. His father Valliara Chacko Tomy is a retired military officer. He is the first Indian to circumvallate the globe in 2013. Tomy began his journey in Mumbai, from the Gateway of India, on 1 November 2012. The journey took 151 days and was completed on 31 March 2013. He was honoured on this occasion. His epic voyage placed India among the rare group of nations who dared to attempt travel across the globe via water. He is only the second Asian after Minoru Saito to complete such a journey. Tomy was awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime gallantry award in India and the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
Abhilash Tomy took part in Golden Globe Race 2018, the only Asian to participate in the event this season. He was travelling at position third when his boat Thuriya was hit by bad weather. Tomy also suffered from back injuries. Tomy’s yacht is a replica of Robin Knox-Johnston’s Suhail, winner of the first Golden Globe Race.
Published: September 24, 2018
Updated: September 24, 2018
