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 (translated - women sailors cicumnavigating the seas) in Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini from Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa, on October 2, 2024.

Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, 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 skilful) 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, 2024) 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 Tirangaa (India’s tricoloured national flag) around the globe. 

The first expedition on 28 February 24, flagged off from Goa by renowned circumnavigator, Commander Abhilash Tomy (retd.), was undertaken in double-handed mode by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A on board INSV Tarini as a preparation for Navika Sagar Parikrama II. This is a landmark event marking a significant milestone in the 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.

Trained for three years

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 (a) Goa to Fremantle, Australia, (b) Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand, (c) Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, Atlantic Ocean (d) Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa and (e) Cape Town to Goa.

INSV Tarini, a 56-feet long sailing vessel 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 upgrade. 

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 since August 23, the duo have finetuned their skills and undergone psychological conditioning, ready to face challenges at sea.

(The author is a military affairs analyst and former spokesperson, Defence Ministry and Indian Army. He can be contacted at wordsword02@gmail.com)