First Goa, now Fremantle, NZ next, then SA, and back to Goa!

Here’s a great story, with a current Fremantle connection, that has the whole of India – and now Freo folk – enthralled.

Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A of the Indian Navy are on an excursion around the world onboard a 51ft sloop, the Indian Navy Sailing Associations INSV Tarini. And right now, after leaving Goa, India, their sloop is tied up at the Fremantle Sailing Club!

How it all came anbout and what it means can be found and monitored on the fab Indian Navy Facebook page right here.

To sum up, from the Indian Navy Facebook –

#INSVTarini embarked on an expedition from #INSMandovi, #Goa to #PortLouis, #Mauritius on 28 Feb 2024. This particular expedition conducted under the aegis of #INSA marks a significant milestone in naval ocean Sailing history as it is the first-ever transoceanic sortie undertaken by Indian women in a double-handed mode. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A have embarked on this historic voyage, showcasing #NarShakti in #maritimedomain. The expedition onboard INSV Tarini not only highlights the exceptional skill and dedication of #IndianNavy’s women personnel but also underscores the nation’s commitment to promote gender equality and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their endeavour serves as a crucial part of their preparation for the upcoming circumnavigation of the globe, scheduled later this year. The officers have been preparing themselves for the last two and half years following a rigorous selection process. Prior to the present expedition, the officers as part of crew of six, sailed from Goa to #Mauritius and back in 2022 followed by an expedition from Goa to #RioDeJaneiro via #CapeTown and back last year. Thereafter, the officers undertook a sailing expedition from Goa to #PortBlair and back in double handed mode. This would be their last consolidation expedition prior to the circumnavigation planned to commence in Sep this year. The expedition was flagged off by a distinguished yachtsman, Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) who has circumnavigated the globe non-stop on sailing boats twice. He has been mentoring the two women officers for last six months. In his address, he expressed his pride in flagging off this monumental expedition. He stated that this expedition symbolizes the spirit of adventure and resilience that defines Indian Navy and exuded full confidence in the capabilities of the two women officers and wished them fair winds and smooth seas on their historic voyage.
#HarKaamDeshKeNaam

And here are some pics, courtesy the Indian Navy Facebook page, of the hardy sailors leaving Goa and at sea.