Two women sailors from the Indian Navy, who are on an eight month sailing expedition aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, have arrived in Cape Town.
Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa set sail from Goa on October 2 last year. Their voyage, covering about 43 300km, will culminate in Goa at the end of May.
Their journey has already taken them through Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), and Port Stanley (Falklands, UK). Cape Town marks their final stop.
They will be docked at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for two weeks for maintenance and repairs before they set course for home.
During their time here, the crew will engage with the South African Navy at the Simon’s Town Naval Base and Gordon’s Bay Naval College where they will share experiences and foster maritime ties. They will also take part in community outreach events aimed at spreading the message of empowerment and adventure through their expedition.
Their expedition - The Navika Sagar Parikrama II - is regarded as a powerful statement on women’s empowerment in the armed forces. It strives to inspire young women in India to consider a future in the services, especially the navy.
The arrival of Tarini coincides with the Royal Cape Yacht Club's 120th birthday celebrations.