Two officers from the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, are getting ready for an exciting and tough adventure. Starting on October 2 from Goa, they will embark on a Global Sailing Expedition around the world in a small 17-meter-long sailboat called INSV Tarini.
Their journey will take them through some of the most dangerous waters on the planet, covering a distance of about 41,000 kilometers. This challenging trip is expected to take around eight months to complete.
This will be the second time the Indian Navy is attempting an all-women sailing expedition around the world. The first successful journey happened seven years ago, with a six-member team on the same sailboat, INSV Tarini.
This time, officers Dilna and Roopa will sail through some very tough ocean areas known for strong winds and huge waves. These areas are called the “Roaring Forties,” “Furious Fifties,” and “Screaming Sixties.” They will pass by three important points: Cape Horn in South America, Cape Leeuwin in Australia, and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
Their first stop will be Fremantle, Australia, which they aim to reach in about 45-50 days. From there, they will continue to Lyttleton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Cape Town in South Africa before returning to Goa in May 2025. The journey will also include passing through the dangerous Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica, known for waves that can reach up to 40 feet.
Navy’s all-women voyage promotes women’s empowerment
The Indian Navy’s all-women voyage aims to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality. Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, spoke about the importance of this mission, praising the courage and skill of women in the Navy. He said that this journey would inspire many people and showcase the strength of women in uniform. The expedition, called Navika Sagarparikrama-II, was officially launched with the goal of exploring and rediscovering the seas.
Navy officers trained for 3 Years to tackle sea conditions
Both officers have undergone extensive training over the past three years in preparation for the voyage. Their training included ocean trips totaling 38,000 nautical miles, during which they sailed to various destinations such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mauritius, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. They were mentored by retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, a renowned sailor known for his courageous expeditions.
Speaking about the challenges ahead, Lt Cdr Roopa noted that the journey would require them to face extreme conditions, from rough seas to extremely hot and cold days. However, she expressed confidence in their training and preparedness for the trip. Lt Cdr Dilna added that while the sea could be a tough teacher, it was also the best teacher.
During their journey, the officers will stop at different harbors to inspect their boat, ensuring it remains strong enough to handle the rough seas. At each stop, they will spend about two weeks checking the boat before continuing their trip.
This round-the-world voyage is a great example of bravery and determination, showing that with proper training and the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be conquered. Their journey will inspire future sailors to take on similar challenges.
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