Two Indian Navy women sail out for second global circumnavigation expedition

Panaji (Goa) [India], October 2 (ANI): Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi flagged off the second Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition from Goa on Wednesday.

This event marks a significant milestone in Naval Ocean sailing history as the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe on board a sailing vessel, INSV Tarini, steered by Indian women in double-handed mode, Indian Navy officials said.

The expedition symbolises India’s maritime endeavours, showcasing the nation’s prominence in global maritime activities and the Indian Navy’s commitment to excellence and women empowerment.

The flag-off ceremony was witnessed by Southern Naval Commander, Vice Adm Arti Sarin, DG AFMS, other senior officers, civilian dignitaries and enthusiastic members from the Naval community, both serving and retired.

On this occasion, a special chart commemorating the expedition was also released by Chief of Navy Staff (CNS) Tripathi in the presence of FOCINC (South) and the Chief Hydrographer. The CNS took a walk around the boat and interacted with the crew before being cast off.

In his address, the CNS highlighted the Navika Sagar Parikrama as the symbolic expression of devotion and a significant step in fostering maritime consciousness, embodying the spirit of ‘Sashakt’ and ‘Saksham’ India.

He acknowledged the visionary foresight of Late Vice Admiral MP Swati who pioneered the idea of circumnavigation on sailboats and the subsequent voyages of Captain Dilip Donde, Cdr Abhilash Tomy, and Navika Sagar Parikrama I showcasing seafaring skills on global stage and commitment to the spirit of Nari Shakti.

The CNS complimented the mentors, instructors, and others involved in the preparation of this voyage and congratulated the family members of the duo for being the pillars of strength and support. He stated that the duo is the flag bearers of resurgent India who represent the confidence, courage, and conviction of today’s India and the Navy. He wished them fair winds and following seas as they flew the Tirangaa around the globe.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II covering more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km) will unfold in five legs with stopovers at four ports for replenishment and maintenance, as required. The broad contour of the voyage will be from Goa to Fremantle, Australia, Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand, Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland, Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa and from Cape Town to Goa.

INSV Tarini, a 56-foot sailing vessel built by Aquarius Shipyard Ltd was inducted into the Indian Navy on February 18, 2017. The vessel has clocked more than 66,000 nautical miles (1,22,223 km) and participated in the first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, a trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio, Goa to Port Louis and other significant expeditions.

The boat is equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and communication equipment and has undergone necessary maintenance and equipment upgrades recently.

Both the officers with a sailing experience of 38,000 nautical miles (70,376km) have trained vigorously for this epic voyage for more than three years. They have been trained on ocean sailing aspects of seamanship, meteorology, navigation, survival techniques, and medicare at sea.

Further, under the mentorship of Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) since August 2023, the duo has fine-tuned their skills and undergone psychological conditioning, ready to face challenges at sea.