PANAJI, Apr 3 (UNI): The second leg of the Goa to Mumbai sailing expedition by the Corps of Engineers scheduled to flagged off today from INS Mandovi Verem had to be postponed by a day.
The delay is due to a technical snag to one of the two sea bird class boats being used for the expedition.
The first leg of the excursion from Mumbai to Goa, which started on March 29, was successfully completed late last evening after covering the total distance of 250 nautical miles (470 kms).
The eight officers from the Corps of Engineers and Navy sailed in two sea bird class boats 'King Fisher' and 'Datar' and completed the distance on only wind power.
The boats measure 21 1/2 feet in length and 4 1/2 feet wide and have a sail length of 21 feet.
The expedition did not have any stops.
During the night in pitch darkness te sailors relied on the stars for navigation.
Once the boat was struck for nearly four hours as it had a close shave with an underlying rock, disclosed Captain S B Vachali, adding "For us sailing is a sport as well as adventure." The adventure is possible due to the likes of Major M K Singh.
This gusty officer fights against the odds on an even keel to make this mission a success, despite having an ampulated leg which he lost after a mine exploded during a military operation.
Deputy Commandent.
K Srinivas said the entire connection system which played a vital role in the challenging exercise was being provided and supported by the Signals.