The Indian Navy launched the second sail training ship —INS Sudarshini, built by GSL on Tuesday. It was launched by Letha Sushil, wife of Vice Admiral KN Sushil, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Southern Naval Command) at Goa Shipyard Ltd.
Sail training ships are increasingly being used as basic seamanship and character building platforms by navies the world over. Built for worldwide operations, INS Sudarshini is a steel-hulled, round-bilged, three-masted sailing ship with 18 sails having a sail area of approximately 1035 square metres. With a very high endurance, it can be deployed at sea continuously for at least 20 days. The vessel can accommodate more than 60 people. It can be under sail or propulsion power.
Admiral KN Sushil, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief (Southern Naval Command), Rear Admiral Prem Kumar Nair, Assistant Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai NM, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area, RAdm (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi were present on the occasion.
