Two veterans from Andhra Pradesh, Commander R. Srinivas and Colonel V. Prasad, have begun a transoceanic sailing journey from Opua Bay in New Zealand to Visakhapatnam, India. Their ambitious voyage will cover thousands of nautical miles across the Indo-Pacific, with several planned stops along the way.

Commander Srinivas, a retired naval officer, spoke about the motivation behind this challenging expedition. “This journey is not just about adventure. We want to remind people back home, especially the youth, that the world is full of opportunities if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Sailing across the ocean has always been my dream, and I hope our effort will inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter their age or background,” he said.

Colonel Prasad, who served in the Indian Army, echoed his friend’s thoughts. “We are carrying the spirit of Andhra Pradesh with us. Our state has a proud maritime history, and we want to celebrate that by connecting with sailors and communities along our route. We are also looking forward to sharing our experiences with students and young sailors at every stop. This voyage is our tribute to the sea and to the people who have supported us throughout our careers,” he added.

Their route will take them from New Zealand to Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and finally to Visakhapatnam. At each port, the veterans plan to meet local sailing groups and share stories about their journey and the rich maritime tradition of Andhra Pradesh. Their boat, currently called Tystie, will be renamed ‘Visakha’ when they reach India.

Social Media Support

People are cheering for them on social media. Many from Andhra Pradesh and all over India are following their updates and sending messages of support. Hashtags like #SailForAndhra and #VisakhaVoyage are trending online. Students, adventure lovers, and even their old friends from the armed forces are wishing them well. Some schools are using their journey as a lesson in geography, courage, and teamwork.

Commander Srinivas and Colonel Prasad are sharing photos and updates from their trip, which many are enjoying online. Their supporters say the veterans are proving that with courage and good planning, anyone can achieve big dreams.

As they travel from port to port, the two veterans hope their transoceanic voyage will inspire many people and bring pride to Andhra Pradesh when they finally reach Visakhapatnam.