Navika Sagar Parikrama II: Indian Navy Flags Off Historic All-Women Sailing Expedition

Goa: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, flagged off the highly anticipated Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition from the Ocean Sailing Node at INS Mandovi, Goa, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime history. This historic voyage is the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by Indian women in double-handed mode aboard a sailing vessel, showcasing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime excellence and women empowerment.

The event was witnessed by several senior naval officers, including Vice Admiral V Srinivas, FOCINC (South), Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, DG AFMS, Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, CPS, and Vice Admiral L S Pathania, Chief Hydrographer. Civilian dignitaries, retired Navy personnel, and media members were also present. During the ceremony, a special commemorative chart was released by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), symbolizing this groundbreaking expedition.

Addressing the audience, CNS Admiral Tripathi highlighted the expedition as a “symbolic expression of devotion” and a crucial step in fostering maritime consciousness. He emphasized the Indian Navy’s long-standing tradition of ocean sailing and its commitment to the spirit of Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment). He acknowledged the visionary leadership of the late Vice Admiral MP Awati, who initiated the idea of circumnavigation by sailboats, and lauded the pioneering voyages of Capt Dilip Donde, Cdr Abhilash Tomy, and the Navika Sagar Parikrama I expedition.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition will span over 21,600 nautical miles (approximately 40,000 kilometers) across five legs, with stops in four key ports for replenishment and maintenance. The route of the voyage will take the crew from Goa to Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa), and back to Goa.

The vessel for this voyage, INSV Tarini, is a 56-foot sailing vessel built by M/s Aquarius Shipyard Ltd. Having already clocked over 66,000 nautical miles, Tarini has been upgraded with advanced navigation, safety, and communication equipment for this journey. The two officers leading this expedition have accumulated over 38,000 nautical miles in sailing experience and have undergone intensive training over the past three years in seamanship, navigation, meteorology, and survival techniques under the mentorship of Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd).