The Indian Navy has signaled the formal start of its preparations for Sagar Parikrama IV in Goa on 27 Aug 23. Under the same, Ocean Sailing Node signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), the ace circumnavigator and Golden Globe Race Hero, will be mentored and coached by the two volunteer female officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa, who will form the team that will undertake the circumnavigation expedition on the Indian naval sailing vessel Tarini the next year.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of VA Adm Krishna Swaminathan, Comptroller of Personnel Services and Vice President of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) and RA Adm Rajesh Dhankhar, Commander of the Naval War College. A large gathering of Navy personnel was also present at the event.
Admiral Swaminathan congratulated the two female officers on their impressive feats of ocean sailing and wished them the best in their preparation for Sagar Parikrama IV. He also thanked Commander Abhilash Tomy on behalf of the Indian Navy for his continued support of his ocean-going venture.
Over the next few months, the two officers will train rigorously for the challenging mission under the guidance of Commander Tomy, undertaking several short and long sailing voyages in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Commander Tomy will also mentor participants of other sailing expeditions and share his experiences in training institutes through motivational talks with trainees.
Sagar Parikrama IV will be a feat never attempted before and a significant step in India’s ocean sailing venture.
*******
VM/JSN