Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand: INSV Tarini, the Indian Navy’s sailing vessel, has reached Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand today, successfully completing the second leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II. The vessel covered approximately 3,550 nautical miles (6,500 kilometers) over 28 days, sailing through challenging conditions from Fremantle, Australia.
This historic journey was Flagged off on October 2, 2024, by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II is a dual-handed circumnavigation of the globe undertaken by two women naval officers, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A. onboard the 56-foot INSV Tarini.
INSV Tarini set sail from Fremantle, Australia, on November 24, 2024, at 0830 IST (1100 local time), following a warm send-off by an enthusiastic crowd. The crew had arrived in Fremantle on November 9 after a 39-day voyage covering 4,900 nautical miles.
Before departing Fremantle, INSV Tarini underwent comprehensive checks and repairs supervised by a shore support team from India. The crew also received guidance from their mentor, Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), a veteran circumnavigator, who briefed them on the upcoming challenges of the second leg.
The second phase of the journey tested the crew’s endurance as they navigated across Cape Leeuwin, the Great Australian Bight, and Tasmania before reaching New Zealand’s South Island. This leg brought varying weather conditions, including frontal weather systems, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures.
On their arrival in Lyttelton, the INSV Tarini crew was greeted warmly by representatives from the High Commission of India in Wellington, the Defence Attaché, members of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the local Māori community.
As the expedition progresses, INSV Tarini will embark on its next phase, traversing the Pacific Ocean, further strengthening ties between nations and inspiring global audiences.
INSV Tarini remains a testament to the Indian Navy’s vision for inclusivity, resilience, and maritime excellence.(pr)