Indian Navy's INSV Kaundinya Triumphs in 39-Day Historic Voyage
The Indian Navy's reconstructed sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has successfully completed a demanding 39-day voyage, flagged into Mumbai Harbour on Monday. This journey, inspired by a 5th-century ship depiction from the Ajanta Caves, proved to be a rigorous test of human endurance and seamanship against the formidable forces of nature.
A Voyage of Challenges and Resilience
Sailing out of Porbandar in Gujarat on December 29, 2025, the wooden, square-rigged vessel immediately encountered resistance from the Arabian Sea. The voyage comprised 17 days to Muscat and 22 days back to Mumbai after a halt in Oman, far from a symbolic trip—it was a relentless examination of mental strength and naval skills.
Commander Hemant Kumar, naval architect and expedition leader, and Commander Vikas Sheron, who oversaw operational training, described the journey as one that constantly pushed both men and material to their limits. The Porbandar-to-Muscat leg, expected to take 15 to 18 days, was disrupted within hours by adverse winds. "On the very first day, the wind started pushing us back, testing our determination and training," Commander Kumar recounted.
Navigating Adversity at Sea
With square sails limited to angling up to about 50 degrees, the vessel struggled against headwinds, drifting north for three to four days near Sir Creek along the India-Pakistan maritime boundary. "Another day and we might have been into the boundary. But fortunately, by New Year's Eve, we got the desired wind and we came back to the point from where we had started," said Kumar. This setback tested the crew's morale, but training helped them anticipate and overcome such challenges.
Once favourable northeasterly winds arrived, Kaundinya made steady progress, but stronger winds brought heavy rolling, with the vessel swaying up to 50 degrees at times. "Sometimes it was 24 to 48 hours of continuous rolling, like we see in the movies. The sea was testing our naval skills and endurance, showing its mighty avatar," Commander Sheron explained. Without a deep stabilising keel, cooking became nearly impossible, forcing the crew to survive on ready-to-eat meals, dal, rice, and protein supplements, while prioritising hydration.
Endurance Amidst Calm and Storm
Heavy rain around the tenth day added discomfort, with limited covered space and raincoats as the primary defence. Conversely, periods of zero wind tested patience, with "glassy seas" causing the vessel to stall for nearly 72 hours. Commander Kumar noted, "The water is like a mirror. For nearly 72 hours, it feels like you are not moving at all." With no engine to rely on, the crew engaged in maintenance tasks and mental exercises to stay focused.
Despite early setbacks, Kaundinya reached Muscat within the projected 17-day timeframe. After a 26-day maintenance halt in Oman, the return journey began on February 8, taking about 22 days due to longer distances and reliance on favourable southwest winds. Square-rig sailing required constant manual coordination and teamwork, with sails trimmed manually for efficiency.
Preparation and Legacy of a Historic Mission
Inducted into the Navy on May 14 last year at the Karwar naval base, Kaundinya's sailing activities were restricted during the southwest monsoon. Systematic training resumed from September, progressing through harbour familiarisation, day sails, night sails, and multi-day voyages. "You cannot attempt a 10-day sail on day one. Confidence builds step by step," Commander Sheron emphasised.
Unlike modern naval ships with automated systems, Kaundinya demands physical effort at every stage, with no air-conditioning or fans, exposing the crew to the environment. Standard operating procedures had to be developed from scratch, making each day a learning experience. "How do you formulate training for a ship you have never sailed before?" Commander Kumar reflected.
For the crew, this 39-day passage was more than a maritime crossing—it was a living test of endurance, preparation, and faith in a historic mission. "First, you need to believe in the project," Commander Kumar concluded, highlighting the profound commitment required for such an endeavour.
