Kollam: Former Indian Navy commander Abhilash Tomy has taken the lead in the ongoing Golden Globe Race (GRR), a single-handed, non-stop, round-the-world yacht race. As per the latest reports, Tomy overtook South African skipper Kirsten Neuschäfer and is ahead by at least 29 miles. 

The race, which kickstarted from Les Sables-d'Olonne in France on September 4 last year, will come to a close in June 2023. The race involves sailing 30,000 miles around the world in 300 days. However, the number of days and distance can differ based on the direction of the winds.

Although there were 16 participants in the beginning, only three people are left in the race now as many left midway. What makes the GRR daunting is that it does not allow the participants to use any modern technology, such as GPS mobile phones or iPads.

All entrants who complete the race will be awarded the Golden Globe plaque and the Golden Globe perpetual trophy.

In 2018, Abhilash Tomy sustained a severe back injury after participating in GRR. Following this, he sent distress messages from his vessel and was traced by Indian Navy reconnaissance aircraft.