Introduction
Maintaining its momentum of women officers circumnavigating the world in sailboats, two women Naval Officers Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A set sail on the second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama (women sailors going around the globe) in Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini from the Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa, on 02 October 2024.
The Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM who flagged off the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition highlighted it as the symbolic expression of devotion and a significant step in fostering maritime consciousness, embodying the spirit of Sashakt (strong) and Saksham (capable and skillful) India. He acknowledged the visionary foresight of Late Vice Admiral MP Awati who pioneered the idea of circumnavigation on sail boats and the subsequent voyages of Captain Dilip Donde, Commander Abhilash Tomy (from the mid-1980s) and Navika Sagar Parikrama I (earlier this year) showcasing Indian Navy’s seafaring skills and commitment to the spirit of women power. Complimenting the mentors, instructors and others involved in preparation of this voyage Admiral Tripathi congratulated the family members of the duo being the pillars of strength and support and wished them Fair Winds and Following Seas as they fly the Tiranga around the globe.
The Expedition
The first expedition on 28 February 2024, was flagged off from Goa by renowned circumnavigator Commander Abhilash Tomy, KC, NM Retd), was undertaken in double-handed mode by Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa on board INSV Tarini as a preparation for Navika Sagar Parikrama II. This is a landmark event marking a significant milestone in Indian Navy’s ocean sailing history as the first ever circumnavigation of the globe onboard a sailing vessel by Indian women in double handed mode.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II will cover more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km) in five legs with stop overs at four ports for replenishment and maintenance, as required. The broad contour of voyage will be Goa to Fremantle, Australia, Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand, Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falklands, Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa and Cape Town to Goa.
INSV Tarini, a 56 feet long sailing vessel was built by M/s Aquarius Shipyard Ltd, Goa, which was inducted in the Indian Navy in February 2017, has clocked more than 66,000 nautical miles (1,22,223 km) and participated in first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, 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.
Conclusion
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 Commander Abhilash Tomy since Aug 23, the duo has fine-tuned their skills and undergone psychological conditioning and are ready to face the challenges at sea.
