INSV Tarini leaves Lyttelton for longest non-stop sail

The Indian Navy’s sailing vessel, INSV Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition, began the third leg of its journey today from Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand.

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The vessel is set to travel to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, covering a distance of 10,400 km — the longest leg of the expedition, the Indian Navy said.

INSV Tarini had arrived in Lyttelton on December 22, 2024, after completing the second leg of the circumnavigation. The journey is being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A.

During its stop in Lyttelton, the crew conducted repairs and maintenance on the vessel. The third leg of the journey will take INSV Tarini across the South Pacific Ocean, passing through the challenging Drake Passage to reach Port Stanley.

While in Lyttelton, the crew engaged with the local Indian community. Among the visitors to the vessel was Victoria Henstock, Councillor of Christchurch City Council. A large number of members of the Indian diaspora attended the flag-off event, which included traditional Maori prayers offered by members of the Maori community for the crew’s safety.

The stop in New Zealand was one of four replenishment halts planned for the circumnavigation. The expedition, named Navika Sagar Parikrama II, was flagged off from Goa on October 2, 2024, by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.