Over the past two and a half years, the officers underwent rigorous training after a meticulous selection process. They previously sailed from Goa to Mauritius and back in 2022 as part of a crew of six. Last year, they embarked on an expedition from Goa to Rio De Janeiro via Cape Town and back, followed by a sailing journey from Goa to Port Blair and back in double-handed mode.

The current expedition to Port Louis, Mauritius, serves as their final consolidation before the planned circumnavigation in September.

Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), KC, NM, a distinguished yachtsman who circumnavigated the globe twice on sailing boats, flagged off the expedition. Commander Tomy, who mentored the two women officers for six months, expressed pride in launching this monumental journey. He emphasized that it embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience that defines the Indian Navy, conveying full confidence in the capabilities of the two officers and wishing them fair winds and smooth seas on their historic voyage.

The boat is expected to reach Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 20.

By Manish Poswal