Mumbai, 13 April 2026

 

The Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition, undertaken by the Regiment of Artillery as part of its bicentenary celebrations, was ceremonially flagged off today from Marve, Mumbai by Lieutenant General N. S. Sarna, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant, School of Artillery and Senior Colonel Commandant, Regiment of Artillery.

The expedition is also a tribute to the enduring maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflecting India’s rich seafaring heritage and strategic foresight.

Marking the first blue water sailing venture by an Artillery Regiment, the expedition will cover approximately 520 nautical miles along the Konkan Coast using 21-foot Seabird class sailing boats. The voyage is being conducted in four legs: Mumbai to Vijaydurg, Vijaydurg to Goa, Goa to Vijaydurg and Vijaydurg to Mumbai.

Sailing at an average distance of around 7 nautical miles from the coastline, the team will navigate dynamic maritime conditions, including variable wind patterns ranging from 2–4 knots to 10–15 knots. The expedition demands exceptional standards of seamanship, endurance and coordination.

The expedition team is led by Captain Kshitij Nair and Subedar Prakash Funde, with a dedicated ground support element under Major Vardhan Shidhye. Prior to commencement, 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 Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition exemplifies the core attributes of the Indian Army precision, teamwork, adaptability and endurance while reinforcing its commitment to promoting adventure, leadership and resilience.

 

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PIB Mumbai | Robin Singh/Darshana Rane

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