77th Army Day: Indian Army flags off Asia’s only Land Yachting Expedition in the Great Rann of Kutch to inspire youth and promote adventure sports | File Photo
Mumbai: As part of the 77th Army Day celebrations, the Indian Army launched its signature Land Yachting Expedition in the Great Rann of Kutch. In one-of-its-kind adventure activity, the land yachting expedition will involve 20 soldiers surfing through the vast landscape of the desert on motor-less vehicles to familiarise with the adverse climatological and geographical conditions of the desert.
Land yachting or land sailing is a unique sport activity which involves overland travel with sail-powered vehicle, which is similar to sailing on water. From 2010, Army Air Defence Regiment under the aegis of 617 (Independent) Air Defence Brigade has been organising the annual land yachting expedition, the only land yachting event in Asia.
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This year the expedition was flagged off in the desert near Dhordo village with 20 soldiers started their five-day journey in seven land yachts and will cover a distance of 400km. The land sailors will visit various villages along the Rann of Kutch to spread awareness among people about the Army’s performance and inspiring the youth to join the Army. It also aims to create environmental awareness about the unique terrain and bio-diversity of the desert region of Kutch.
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This year’s expedition was organised by the 46 Air Defense Regimentand will last until January 20 covering places like Dhordo, India Bridge, Dharmashala, Shaktibet, Karimshahi, Perivari Dhawi and Dhordo. A team of 20 personnel underwent training including survival drills at the Land Yachting Node at Bhuj.
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Brigadier Ravindra Singh Cheema, Commander, First In Battle brigade, said, “This trip is full of adventure and this is the only place in Asia where this trip can be done. I want to congratulate the soldiers who participated from all over the country who participated in this expedition facing various challenges.”
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Captain Viresh SG, who led the 10th Land Yachting Expedition, said, “During this expedition, armymen will cover a distance of 60 to 70 kilometers per day. This campaign has been started from today and after 6 days this campaign will be completed at Dhordo itself. Adventure sports also get a boost due to this campaign.”
