It is a clear night outside with a crescent of yellow moon and cool breeze. Enjoying probably the last night of solitude with Mhadei for some time to come, listening to the local radio station. By tomorrow night we will be too close to to the coast to relax.
Read about the fabulous and well deserved welcome for Jessica. I think she has really earned all the accolades being bestowed on her and it will be an honour for us to follow her into the exclusive club of Solo Cicumnavigators!
83 comments:
all is well, well come home from pranay chouhan
Dear Dilip,
Not long now until you are at home in Mumbai. I knew about Goa, but had to take a look in my atlas for Ratnagiri. I like to study maps.
It has been a pleasure to read your blog. I wish you a great welcome home and all the best for the future.
Best regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Sweden
Congratulations. Been watching you from Austin Texas
Hi Dilip,
It is quite amazing to see the start and finish lines cross on the map. It is symbolic of your single minded dedication with which you embarked on this epic voyage and are now nearing completion.
You are almost there ! Congratulations !
From all of us,
Diptish Vartak, Shailesh Sawant, Pankaj Yadav, Suhas Mulam, Vivek Sawe...
GO, Dilip ! You can do it as well. May Mumbai give you the same great welcome as Jessica experienced.
Regards
Victor C.Pankouken
Commander Donde,
As you have been nearing the finish line, I’ve been wondering if you might decide to take a second lap. But it sounds like Mhadei is definitely taking you home. You’re right that Jessica’s reception was incredible. It will be an historic day when you sail into Mumbai and you are very deserving of a great reception also. I’m looking forward seeing the reports of your homecoming.
Thanks so much for giving such good reports along your journey. It really has been fun to follow your inspirational story. Enjoy the end of you trip and welcome home. Congratulations, Dilip.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Congratulations for adding to the string of the Navy's achievements. You should, like Joshua Slocum, publish a detailed account :-)
Hi Commander Dilip,
Almost done, a great achievement at the corner for tomorrow!
Enjoy and savour this final stretch, you have been terrific all along the trip, and Mhadei your faithful companion, too!
I am sure all India is proud of you!
Thank you for Jessica, she is so amazing...
Happy last milles!!!
Hi Dilip,
Not far now.
Hope you get a great welcome home.
All the best,
Joy
Ballarat,
Australia
हाय Dilip & Mahdei,
Perfect weather and seas for your homecoming.Enjoy those last moments!
It was a pleasure to follow you in your journey.
Enjoy your reception!
Let's hope you find some time in the next few days to tell us about the wonderful dishes and treats that you will surely get! Along with some pictures maybe?
Just so to give us something to 'chew' while you take the time to write the Epilogue to your unique voyage.
नमस्कार!
Hi Dilip,
Heartfelt congratulations. Will send a cyber greeting card. Jesse's homecoming was nothing short of brilliant. Very touching, emotional, simple, and humongous! See Australia Channel 10's 'episodes' at;
http://ten.com.au/watch-tv-episodes-online.htm
Lastly, let us all know your thoughts when rounding up things. Also, pls post any arrival vids.
Best!
Solo?
Hi Dilip,
Congratulations on your successful circumnavigation. It is indeed an elite club in which you richly deserve an honorable place through your sterling efforts.
I hope Mumbai puts on a very warm welcome and that you publish a journal of your voyage.
Best regards
Mike (Avoca Beach)
We've been following your voyage since December and shared some of your progress with our newsletter subscribers and on our website.
We celebrated Jessica's return to our home town (Sydney, Australia) on the weekend.
Solo circumnavigators, whether non-stop or assisted, are a very small group. But we'll hold the congratulations until you reach Mumbai!
Hi Dilip You have done it!
We are eagerly waiting at the finishing line (with Alphano mangos!). But we are going to miss your blog to which we are addicted now!
swatitai
Congratulations Dilip
Have been following your journey as we had been Jessica's.
She is home safely now and you will be in a day or so now too.
Good luck for the future.
Congratulations Sir........
welcome back "The First Indian Sailor to solo circumnavigate the ocean", its an honor to follow You
regards
Congratulations Dilip.
Another successful traveller.
All the best for your future.
Richard (QLD) Aus
CONGRATULATION!!!
Hi,
Bravo!! Reminds me of some great times at Ganpati Pule (near Ratnagiri) which I had the pleasure to visit often. Yes you are right - time for relaxation is over (you can hardly call a solo circum-navigation relaxation time)!!!! The traffic will keep you busy and after that the ceremony. I hear there is a big welcome planned for you. Enjoy yourself - you deserve every bit of it.
Rgds,
Subir
Dilip we all are very proud of you and hope that the due recognition comes your way.
Welcome home dear Dilip, all eyes on you!It all started with Admiral Awati's dream way back, Your Mother's confidence in you, your single minded dedication and Ratnakar's excellent creation- Mhadei. You have made us proud!!!
Meeta, Milind, Goa
Well done. You have achieved your goal and proved to all that is not as easy as just sailing from Point A to point B.
Yes I am Australian and am very proud of Jessica, But bu the same token have followed your voyage at the same time and fell that you have done what you set out to do with restrictions and assistance, the same as everyone else has done.
Well done, and I wish you all fair weather and good sailing in the future.
It has been a real pleasure to read your blog and see your progress around the world.
Cheers
Carl
Wow Dilip,
You must be there by now. Well done. What an adventure. On dry land, safe and sound. Watch out for that Indian traffic! Don't want you to sail all the way around the world and then got knocked down in the street. That would be terrible.
I hope you have enjoyed a little company on the way thanks to your blog.
Good luck with your future ventures.
Best wishes
Toni
Dear Dilip,
Great to see you do it!!!
suneel mohidekar
vasai
you forgot something when you left could you turn around and pick it up
cmdr Dilip,
Great to receive your update. Was a bit concerned as the sunday papers suggested strong winds had hit the sails.
Yes, you must visit the Thebaw palace. Its almost like walking into glass palace (AG).
Do you also know that by strange fate, while the last king of Burma was exiled in India (ratnagiri), the last king of India Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled in Burma. Both died longing for their motherland. Bless their souls.
Eagerly waiting for you to hit Mumbai.
Cheers
Abhi
Hey Dilip,
You are great.. Hats off to you. Hertiast wellcome to India.
congrats Dilip uncle.
God be with you
Congratulations!
Cord, Germany
Dilip,
I am looking forward to hearing about your return home. What a great adventure you have had. It has been fun to follow you.
Congratulations,
Kathy Bend, ORegon, USA
Hello Dilip'
your acknowledgement of Jesse is so indicative of the camaraderie you sailors share out there on the water. There are no winners or losers, just total respect for each other. Kudos to you, and yes, an overwhelming response to an exceptional young lady.
With 100nm's to go on May 17th suggests you are well and truly home. I've no doubts Mumbai, and indeed, India, rose to the occassion in welcoming you and Madhei home. You are among an elite few now, forever recorded in the annals of time.
I've so much enjoyed checking in on the 'ups and downs' 'highs and lows' since coming aboard in late December. The wonderful pics taken on, and off the water, the times enjoying a morning coffee break on deck under clear blue skies, your battle with the elements...I will miss them all.
Sadly, we all must move on and deal with our own challenges, albeit big or small. So I hope in some small way we've been able to contribute in keeping you company and in high spirits during the rough times.
Enjoy the home-coming Dilip and the accolades befitting this enormous undertaking...to you, Madhei, and your exceptional support team who were always at port stops to welcome you and repair Mhadei throughout your journey. Best wishes to you all for any future endeavours.
Congratulations and well done Dilip!!!
Ma te Atua koe, e manaaki, e tiaki hoki, i nga wa katoa
Ben (Qld)
"Project sagar Parikrama has seen light of the day"
"A project by an Indian for an Indian"
"Less than 300 adventurous people across the globe have embarked on a solo circumnavigation voyage and have registered their name in the hall of fame"
" There was no Indian name in the list so far, no Indian ship or boat with Indian flag to do so but " we have made it"
Thanks to AWATI sir, RATNAKAR and DILIP.
Welcome home Dilip, "You have done it"
August09-May-10---wow simply outstanding.
love, regards and respect ,
pracs
From pracs entry it appears that Cdr. Donde has indeed completed his voyage.
Many many Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. We are proud of you.
Look forward to Cdr. Donde's next Blog update.
Lalit Attri fm Chandigarh
Sir,
Please accept a great 'Shaabash' from all of us. And be extra vigilant on this last 100 mile a grand welcome awaits u at Mumbai. Indian media is full of Jessica's deed she is a hero world over. Congrats to her.Reading your blog will be missed.
HI,
CONGRATS.
SUBIR.
a fantastic effort dilip, not long to go, but i imagine a touch of sadness, too ... it was great to see the welcome home received by jessica (watched it on the tele) ... i wish you a similar arrival ... best wishes, john starlight, sunshine coast, qld, australia
u njoyd being on the voyage n we njoyd reading ur blog!!! that will be missed now... anyways ur home coming is a celebration!!! kudos to you for ur efforts sir!!!
Hello Dilip,
It is with a bitter sweet sadness that I read your post of only 100 miles to go. It has been tremendous to be a part of your wonderful journey. I want to wish you every happiness for now and in the future. You I should not wonder will receive an incredible welcome into Mumbai harbour and the end of your voyage. You return to India a hero. Enjoy the well deserved accolades.
Again thank you for allowing me to be apart of your journey.
Kindest regards
Evie Neilson
Heartfealt congratulations, Dilip! You are a true adventurer among adventurers, and I sincerely enjoyed the stories you shared along your way.
Best wishes, fair winds, and following seas!
Seth G, D.C., USA
Hello Dilip!
Hearty Congratulations on completing your circumnavigation!!!
Thank you for your many blog posts which allowed me the privilege and pleasure of following along on your trip. It has been quite a wonderful adventure!
Along with my congratulations, I send wishes for a life rich in continued activity and adventure.
All the very best to you,
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
Hi Dilip,
Although I have not posted on your blog for a while, I have been keeping track of your incredible journey with each entry you have made.
By now, you are well and truly ashore and possibly enjoying some home cooked food. I know for a fact that a simple rice, dal and a veggie is second to none after a long absence away from home.
Congratulations of completing the circumnavigation and doing your country proud.
Yes, Jessica is also home and had the most wonderful reception in Sydney. People came in from afar as the US just to witness her arrival. Thank you for remembering her.
Good luck always
Jonathan
Melbourne
Please do take post some pictures of your safe arrival. we have all enjoyed your beautiful pictures and stories, please don't forget us as you arrive home!
again - Congratulations!! Let us know your future plans.
Don't be too complacent.Watch out for icebergs at this time of the year.
Penguin
Respected Sir,
It was a great pleasure to read about you this morning in Pune Mirror. I was really touched to read about your tour. Amazing must be your experience and the thrill you went through. I lifetime experience.
Congratulations for your success in all your plans.
Welcome to Home sweet Home.
Warm regards,
Kirti Pathak.
Hi Dileep
My first post of you, I went back & read all your earlier blogs, & loved every article.
Great journey & enjoy your return!
Congratulations Sir!
It is indeed a great achievement.
We all would love it if you could compile your entire experience along with of course,the philosophical transgressions.
Dear sir,
Hearty congratulations and welcome home..I have been following your blog. You have made all of us very proud by achieving this great feat.Feeling privileged to be in the same service when u achieved this great honor.Wishing you many more accolades.Hope to meet u some day... Lt TK Aris, Project Seabird
Dear Dilip,
Heartiest Congratulations!
You have created History.
Regards
KS Rao
Skipper Yacht Trishna
First Indian Sailing Expedition Around the World 1985-87
O YE MAN OF THE SEA, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations and welcome home Cdr. Donde!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful voyage with us, it is a great achievement what you have done!
Best wishes,
Marina from Turin, Italy
Dear Dilip,
Congratulations !
Neela Atya, Kumar Kaka, tushar,
Leena, Kiran, Sanjay , Ketki & Pranjal.
Dear Mr. Donde,
Heartiest Congratulations for your achievement. May be someday you sit down and write a book about your wonderful experience.
Regards
Manish G. Bendre
Hey,
The unfortunate Manglore air crash sidelined your news of arrival, or else you would have been live on all news channels probably.
I hope the media and others do not forget you as a piece of news of a day, you deserve much more, i guess a Padmashree or if they consider it a sporting activity at least arjun award to you n ratnakar n dronacharya to awati sir
hope our country's chief ;acknowledge you with ur due share of respect & well deserved awards.
Congratulations!
A great achievement! Only around 200 people have solo circumnavigated the world.
I have read news articles, and there was a big homecoming for Dilip also.
The vice president of India (Mohammad Hamid Ansari) and the Naval chief were welcoming him.
News articles:
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_solo-sailor-dilip-donde-gives-entire-credit-of-achievement-to-his-fine-vessel_1386571
http://www.mynews.in/News/Dilip_Donde_is_first_Indian_to_sail_solo_around_the_world_N56907.html
http://sabkush.com/SabkushNews/HeadlineDetailPage.asp?Tid=934
The last one has a photo.
Jessica had much longer hair at arrival. Dilip had much longer beard.
Ben, Sweden
Commander Donde! Have you arrived home? My 8 yr old daoughter and I have enjoyed your blog and wish you the best now that your ocean journey is complete. Bravo to you and all past and future circumnavigators.
Congratulations on your amazing and historic voyage, Cmdr. Donde! Wishing you a hero's welcome, and a much deserved rest!
Dear Dilip,
Hearty Congratulations,
I hv been introduced to you by Tushar Kulkarni of Bhopal, and now your fan,
Been following up on your Blog regualarly.
It is wonderful to note your great achievement and sure India will recognise you in the same great ways.
Some one suggested that you write a book on your these fantastic expiditon, and I too feel that such adventures are not known to us but let the next generation be aware of that.
Really Great , you are our Hero.
Incidently I being the name same recd many messages, skype comunications etc for you which definetely I will share with you sometime since I look forward to meet you in near future.
Great, Salute to our this Hero.
Looking for your new plans to be more close to our mother planet from you.
With warm regards ,
Dilip Donde
9819084330.
Thank you for the links to those news stories, Ben. And once again, Congratulations Commander Donde. It's been a great pleasure to follow your historic adventure, Dilip.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
PS: I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Manglore air crash of Flight IX-812
There is a fabulous picture of Mhadei under sails on http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/03/17/india.solo.sailor/index.html
well come home dilip
u encourage us all to explore the water world
Congratulations sir!!
Great achievement!!!
congratulation have enjoyed your blog, all the best for the future
regards, lesley
I am very disappointed. Many people took the time to care and follow you on your voyage. And you never completed your blog. You just stopped at "100 miles to go" ..... very poor of your to be so careless.
Hearty Congratulations to you Sir.
We the citizens of India are very proud of you.
Jai Jawan
Jai Hind
Congratulations Sir. Hope you got the d card from diving school.
@ Ken
The Commander will soon be posting a blog. Work on a boat begins only after you have arrived. It is far easier to sail her.
Waav Sir, your travel story is very inspiring to know about...
Congratulations... God be with you in all your future endeavours...
Hello Dilip,
Congratulations on your wonderful achievement. My husband and I are very happy for you and so glad to know you have had a safe journey.
All the very best for a successful future.
Kind regards,
The McGraths, Nowra NSW Australia
Hearty congratulations to you Dilip.
Commander Donde: Congratulations are certainly in order as you come to your journey's end. It has been great to follow your blog and I thank you for allowing us to come along. Best wishes for a Happy and Successful life in the future. Enjoy your home coming...
Joe Springfield VA USA
congratulations,
How are you doing, Dilip? How was your homecoming? Would love to see an update with some pictures.
Rex from Newfoundland, Canada
Hello Dilip,
Your last blog entry was on May 7th. By now, I sure hope you have crossed last 100 miles and reached Mumbai. Well, its May 28th! In these times of social media communication, its important, vital and appropriate to be timely in informing hundreds, if not thousands, people around the world about your voyage success and completion. Sadly, thats not the case. I am really disappointed. You have referenced Jessica in your blogs many times. she was and even now, is timely and regular in posted her blog update. I cannot say, or can I, that this is a discipline problem? A navy man having discipline problem in posting blog update? Your achievemnts are unique, daring and exemplary. God knows howmany young and old people around the world you have left wondering about the ending!
/Shri from California
@shi
I agree. This is just rude. Followed the guy for month now he just dumps us.
Hi Cdr. Donde and bloggers,
I can understand that people would like to have an update but im pretty sure that Cdr. Donde isnt able at this point for some valid reason. He is not probably backed with a pr team as Jessica is and probably he is already looking forward other duties.
I'm sure he will eventually write another blog. My best wishes commander!
Marina from Turin, IT
Dear Commander Dilip Donde,
Greetings...I hope you and your family are all well.
Congratulations on the completion of your voyage. I will always hold the utmost respect and admiration for you.
Thankyou for sharing the journey with us through this blog and I shall look forward to reading all about your homecoming when you find good quality time to sit down and write it.
I so agree with Tell Tale...first things first...it is far easier to sail a boat.
Take good care of yourself and please accept my very best wishes for your health and happines.
Yours sincerely,
Sam XX
Hi there Dilip, I've been following your blog from Tasmania, and today I was reading some of the newspaper articles about your return, so just wanted to say congrats. Your blog has been wonderful, I've thoroughly enjoyed it!
COME ON HOW ABOUT A UP DATE!!!!!!
YOUR FANS DO CARE
I DONT THINK YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR FANS??????????????
HE`S A INDIAN GIVER
a lot of people are congratulaing you,on what?have you crossed the line?you must be areal ignorant so and so
Dear Dilip Sir,
Congrats on your successful copletion and welcome home.
Warm Regards,
Mohan Ram
abhi1145@yahoo.co.in
Dear Sir,
Congratulations! And proud of you be an Indian, be god with you in your every achievements in future
Vandematharam
Hiran. R
hiran.raju@gmail.com
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