Abhilash Tomy
Commander Dr h.c. Abhilash Tomy, KC, NM  is an Indian naval officer and yachtsman, known for becoming the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world under sail in 2013, and his participation in the 2018 Golden Globe Race.

Early life 
The son of a Naval officer, Tomy was born in Chethipuzha hospital, Changanacherry in Kerala. Upon completing his schooling, he joined the Naval Academy in Goa, from where he was commissioned into the navy in the year 2000. He completed his flying training in 2002, qualifying as a maritime reconnaissance pilot on the Dornier Do 228.

Sailing career 
Prior to his solo circumnavigation of the globe (which was called Sagar Parikrama 2), Tomy had represented India in several international events including the 2011 Cape Town to Rio Race, the 2014 Spanish Copa del Rey race and two successive Korea Cups.

In 2006, based on a proposal by Vice Admiral MP Awati, the navy authorised the construction of the INSV Mhadei, a sailboat, which was then sailed solo around the world by Cdr Dilip Donde in 2009-10, making four stops - Fremantle, Lyttelton, Port Stanley and Cape Town. This voyage was called the Sagar Parikrama, and Tomy was chosen as its shore support crew, helping Donde stock up supplies at the four ports.

Based on this experience, and his sailing expertise, he was chosen to helm Sagar Parikrama 2, a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe, under sail. To prepare him for this role, in 2011, he and Cdr Dilip Donde participated in the Cape Town to Rio Race. On the return leg, Tomy sailed doubled handed from Rio to Cape Town and single handed from Cape Town to Goa. He also sailed to Malaysia and Thailand, with a team of three people. 

On 1 November 2012, Tomy and the Mhadei were flagged off from Mumbai from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. After completing a voyage of 23,100 nautical miles, he arrived in Mumbai on 31 March 2013, having sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Horn and Cape Leeuwin.  He became the first Indian, second Asian, and 79th person to accomplish this feat. A ceremonial reception was given by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Gateway of India on 6 April 2013.

A special National Anthem featuring his record breaking hoist of the national flag at Cape Horn on Republic Day was played in 3,000 cinemas and 455 TV channels all over the country during Independence Week in 2013, and he was featured in Chivas Gentleman’s Code on Star World, and several other radio and Tv programs. His four minute film, All Yours , was telecast for six months by Ten Sports

Cdr Abhilash was a special invitee and the only Asian entrant in the 2018 edition of the solo non stop round the world Golden Globe Race. After 82 days Abhilash was in 3rd position when his boat was hit by a vicious storm in South Indian ocean dismasting the boat and inflicting severe injury to his spine.

Cdr Abhilash was rescued after a dramatic multinational rescue effort. His grit and determination was praised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the subsequent edition of Man ki Baat.

Awards and decorations

(a) Kirti Chakra – 2013 (Second officer in the navy to be awarded KC)

(b) Nau Sena Medal 2019

(c) YAI Offshore Sailor of the Year 2009, 2013, 2018

(d) Amrita TV Award for Outstanding Human Endurance and Courage – 2013

(e) Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award

(f) Only Indian in the International Association of Cape Horners

(g) Mac Gregor Medal for military reconnaissance – 2013

(h) CNS Commendation 2009

(j) National Maritime Foundation Award

(k) Doctor of Philosophy, h.c. from Jharkhand Rai University 

Achievements

(a) First Indian and 2nd Asian to sail solo, non stop, around the earth

(b) Shore support for Sagar Parikrama I (Navy’s first solo circumnavigation expedition)

(c) Yacht Services Manager of Volvo Ocean Race 2008 stopover at Kochi

(d) Podium finishes in Korea Cup 2014 and 2015

(e) Bronze medal in YAI Nationals 2015

(f) Author of "151 Solitary Days at Sea, Sailing Non-stop, Around the World" & "Kadal Ottakku Kshanichappol"

(g) Formerly council member of the Yachting Association of India

YouTube video links

(a)  Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlAjbKyCFLY

(b)  Sailing Across the Globe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiNYNpZI6Ok