After an extraordinary journey spanning eight months and over 23,400 nautical miles, the crew of INSV Tarini is on the verge of reaching the shores of Goa. Onboard, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K are poised to make history as the first Indian women to circumnavigate the globe in a double-handed sailing. This remarkable expedition reflects not only their sailing prowess but also a significant advancement in gender representation within India’s armed forces.
The historic voyage commenced on October 2, 2024, from Goa, with the ambitious goal of completing a circumnavigation solely using wind power and without external assistance. As the vessel approaches the Indian coastline, preparations for a ceremonial welcome are in full swing at the Mormugao Port Trust. Notable figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, are expected to grace the occasion.
Throughout the expedition, the crew made crucial stopovers at key international ports for maintenance and replenishment, including Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Cape Town in South Africa. With the final leg of their journey underway, the officers are closing the loop on a daunting global maritime challenge undertaken by only a handful of sailors.
The journey tested the physical and mental resilience of Lt Cmdrs Roopa and Dilna. They encountered significant weather challenges including three cyclones, navigated Point Nemo—the most remote point in the ocean—and successfully crossed Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, in mid-February. During this leg, they faced towering waves and relentless storms, earning them the honorary title of ‘Cape Horners,’ a distinction reserved for those who brave the Horn under sail.
This expedition highlighted the necessity of self-reliance and adaptability. The officers, apart from navigating the waters, took on various roles including engineers, electricians, and mechanics. In a reflective moment during a public interaction in Cape Town, Lt Cdr Dilna K shared the emotional struggles faced during periods of calm with no wind. “We’ve learned to take things moment by moment and have started believing in ourselves,” she expressed, emphasizing their newfound confidence and capabilities.
The accomplishment is celebrated not only as a significant maritime achievement but also as a pivotal moment for gender representation within the Indian Navy. As INSV Tarini prepares for docking, both the Indian Navy and the nation eagerly anticipate the return of these two historic figures who have achieved their milestone one wave at a time.
