NEW DELHI: Indian Navy Sailing Ship Sudarshini has set sail for Portugal, wrapping up its month-long visit to the US to participate in the celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.“The Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini, a sail training vessel of the Indian Navy, departed Boston, US, on July 25 as part of the ongoing Lokayana 26 voyage,” a defence ministry statement said in Delhi. “Representing India at the historic SAIL250 celebrations, the IndianNavy’s sail training ship showcased the nation’s rich maritime heritage while deepening maritime partnerships,” the Navy said on X on Sunday.The ministry said INS Sudarshini has now set sail for Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal), continuing its journey as a beacon of India’s maritime strength, professionalism, and goodwill on the global stage.INS Sudarshini arrived at Boston on Sunday after her successful participation in the Sail4th 250 celebrations at New York. The ship took part in the Grand Parade of Sails, marking the commencement of Sail Boston 2026, the Ministry of Defence said. Raghuram Sastry, consul general of India in Boston, embarked on INS Sudarshini for the Grand Parade of Sails and the ship’s ceremonial entry into Boston.Joining an international fleet of over 60 tall ships from over 20 nations, INS Sudarshini is representing India as a maritime ambassador of goodwill during her ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition.INS Sudarshini is a three-masted barque, 54 metres long and has 20 sails, 7.5 km of rope and 1.5 km of steel wire rope. The ship’s sails have a total area of approximately 1,035 square metres (11,140 sq ft). Capable of operations under sail or power, and with a complement of five officers, 31 sailors, and 30 cadets embarked for training, the ship can remain at sea for at least 20 days at a time.
