The First Indian

Rediscovering Bombay with Robin, while talking 'boat' all the while. Dilip uses this opportunity to get precious feedback on the construction of his boat.

An off shore sailing rally from Kochi to Kavaratti on J 24s just as Dilip has given up any hope of some local sailing experience. He then decides to focus on the building of his own boat 

A Christmas gift to himself: boat construction was officially started on 25th December 2007, less than two years before the start of Dilip's circumnavigation.

Three times in a row and Dilip has had it with attempting a training sail. You can almost see him shrug his shoulders as he bats aside these hiccups and decides to focus on building his boat.

Comic relief in the form of a failed sortie with a mathematically inclined science genius and sailor. Followed by more bureaucratese as Dilip is forced to finalise his sail dates 2 years ahead of time!

A case of too little too late. Dilip finally does away with the idea of buying that elusive training boat.

Navigating Naval bureaucracy often proved more challenging and tested Dilip's patience, diplomatic skills and sense of humour. Here he helps steer his file through Naval Headquarters with aplomb, while funneling all his fury into rebuilding Sameer.

One way to establish what you don't want in a boat is to sail on a 10 year old derelict and showcase her to your future boat builder