Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Indian Naval Sail Training Ship (INSTS) Sudarshini on Friday joined celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence at Baltimore harbour during its transoceanic expedition. Led by Commander Ravikanth Nandoori, the ship is taking part in SAIL250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore, which has brought together international tall ships, military vessels and aviation demonstrations.
According to the organisers, INSTS Sudarshini will remain at the Inner Harbour West Wall till July 1. The ship is on Lokayan 26, a voyage that began from Kochi on January 20 to promote maritime outreach, strengthen international goodwill and showcase India’s seafaring traditions.
advertisement
Sudarshini is a three-masted barque that is 54 metres long and carries 20 sails, 7.5 km of rope and 1.5 km of steel wire rope. Its sails have a total area of about 1,035 square metres. The ship can operate under sail or power and has a complement of five officers and 31 sailors, with 30 cadets on board for training. It can remain at sea for at least 20 days at a time.
The Maryland event will also feature the return of the US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron and other aviation performers for an airshow over Baltimore Harbour, flyovers at Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Open House at Martin State Airport. Earlier in its voyage, INSTS Sudarshini completed its trans-Atlantic passage when it reached the port of Antigua on May 27. During this leg, the ship also crossed 10,000 nautical miles since leaving Kochi.
An official statement said the voyage reflects the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to maritime cooperation and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “The World is One Family”. With its participation in the Baltimore celebrations, the voyage has added another international stop to its outreach mission.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
