Navy’s “Women of Steel” Prepare for Ocean Circumnavigation
Indian Navy’s Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A are teaming up for a circumnavigation sailing expedition in 2024 aboard the vessel Tarini. They draw inspiration from their successful “Goa to Rio & Back” expedition. Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), a renowned circumnavigator and Golden Globe Race hero will mentor and coach them for ‘Sagar Parikrama IV’. The Navy aims to achieve a solo woman mission to circumnavigate the globe.
Under Cdr Tomy’s guidance, the two officers will undergo rigorous training, including multiple sailing voyages across the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. They will also receive motivational talks and mentorship.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed with Cdr Tomy present, and the Navy expressed gratitude for his steadfast support. ‘Sagar Parikrama IV’ is an unprecedented venture and a significant step in India’s ocean sailing enterprise. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A’s previous voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro showcased the power of women empowerment, sailing for an impressive 188 days on the INSV Tarini. Ocean sailing gained popularity in the Indian Navy after Captain Dilip Donde’s achievement in 2009-2010, followed by Cdr Abhilash Tomy’s remarkable feats.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu Businessline
