The Indian Navy formally began preparations for Sagar Parikrama IV, which aims to send a woman naval officer alone around the world in a sailing yacht, a “never-attempted-before venture” for the country.
The Navy signalled its intent by signing an agreement with ace circumnavigator and Golden Globe Race hero Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), who will mentor and coach the two officers who have volunteered for the circumnavigation.
The Indian Navy’s Ocean Sailing Node is based at INS Mandovi where the two women officers are stationed.
Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Cdr Commander Roopa Alagirisamy have been shortlisted for the solo circumnavigation on the INSV Tarini next year.
The memorandum of agreement was signed in the presence of Cont-roller of Personnel Services and vice-president of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA), Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, and Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, the commandant of the Naval War College.
After the success of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, when six women officers sailed around the world, the Indian Navy has now shortlisted the two women officers to undertake a solo journey around the world.
VAdm Swaminathan congratulated the two women officers for their impressive ocean sailing feats and wished them the very best for their preparation for Sagar Parikrama IV.
He also thanked Cdr Abhilash Tomy on behalf of the Indian Navy for his steadfast support to its ocean sailing endeavour.
Over the coming months, the two officers will train rigorously for the challenging mission under Cdr Tomy’s tutelage, including undertaking several short and long sailing voyages in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Cdr Tomy would also be mentoring participants of other sailing expeditions and share his experiences at the training establishments through motivational talks with the trainees.
Sagar Parikrama IV will be a significant step in India’s ocean sailing enterprise.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/
