Indian naval ship on round-the-world sailing mission

New Delhi, Jan 15(ANI): The Indian Navy's solo round-the-world sailing mission "Sagar Parikrama" with Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei on Friday crossed half way mark and safely reached Port Stanley of Falkland Islands, UK.

The INSV Mhadei with Commander Dilip Dhonde at the helm completed over 14,000 Nautical miles of voyage.

The 'Sagar Parikrama' which literally means 'circumnavigation by sea' is the first such attempt by an Indian.

INSV Mhadei, the 56 foot sloop was flagged off from Mumbai on August 19, 2009.

Commander Dhonde had sailed from Christ Church New Zealand on December 12, 2009 and travelled about 5000 nautical miles in the third leg of his voyage.

On Mhadei, during the voyage, Commander Dhonde will cover about 21600 Nautical miles under sail.

Mhadei is likely to start the next leg of her voyage on January 29. The next port of call and the last en-route halt will be Cape Town, South Africa. (ANI)