Sayan Chatterjee, New Delhi, 15 April 2025 – INSV Tarini was ceremonially flagged off today from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) at 1030 hrs local time (1400 hrs IST), marking the commencement of the final leg of her inspiring journey back to Goa as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II.
The flag-off ceremony was graced by the presence of the Officiating Consul General of India in Cape Town, the Defence Attaché of India to South Africa, members of the RCYC Governing Council, and members of the Indian diaspora. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the voyage, as dignitaries and supporters gathered to bid farewell and celebrate the crew’s remarkable progress.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II, the Indian Navy’s flagship initiative, promotes ocean sailing in India, highlights the strength and resilience of women in uniform, and showcases India’s capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding. INSV Tarini, an Indian-built vessel crewed by Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, has powerfully embodied these values throughout her circumnavigation.
During her scheduled stopover in Cape Town, Tarini transformed into a vibrant platform for diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and outreach. Among the prominent visitors onboard were Shri Prabhat Kumar, Hon’ble High Commissioner of India to South Africa; Mr Reagan Allen, Deputy Speaker of the Western Cape; former international cricketer and long-time friend of India Mr Johnathan ‘Jonty’ Rhodes; Ms Kirsten Neuschäfer, solo circumnavigator and winner of the 2022–23 Golden Globe Race; and Smt Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India at Cape Town. They were joined by members of the Indian community and local dignitaries, all of whom expressed admiration and support for the mission.
The crew’s engagement in Cape Town extended far beyond ceremonial events. Aimed at fostering greater awareness around gender equality, maritime cooperation, and India’s advancements in ocean sailing, the visit included several meaningful interactions. These comprised an inspiring session with students from the Indian diaspora, motivational talks at the University of the Western Cape, a knowledge-sharing exchange with naval cadets at the Naval College, and an energetic meet-and-greet with young sailors from the RCYC Sailing Academy.
At the RCYC itself, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A interacted with community members and dignitaries, sharing stories from their voyage and insights into the broader mission of Navika Sagar Parikrama. Their experiences and personal accounts left a lasting impact, especially on the youth and aspiring sailors who see in them a reflection of courage, discipline, and aspiration.
Parallel to the outreach activities, the Cape Town stopover served an important operational purpose. Routine maintenance and technical checks were carried out to ensure that INSV Tarini remains in peak sailing condition for the final leg of her voyage back to India.
INSV Tarini’s journey under Navika Sagar Parikrama II continues to stand as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. The initiative promotes the spirit of adventure and maritime excellence and celebrates the critical role of women in the armed forces. It is a vivid reminder of India’s rich maritime tradition, commitment to gender inclusivity, and strides in Indigenous naval capabilities.
As Tarini now charts her course homeward, she carries with her not only the lessons and experiences of the seas but also the goodwill and encouragement of all those she touched along the way. The vessel is expected to arrive in Goa by the end of May 2025.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is more than a naval expedition; it is a national movement celebrating courage, capability, and pride—sailing across oceans, building bridges, and inspiring a new generation of Indians to dream big, sail far, and lead with purpose.
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