INSV Tarini leaves Cape Town for last leg of Goa visit

Visakhapatnam: Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini left Cape Town on Wednesday for the final leg of circumnavigation passage to Goa. The yacht was flagged off by High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa Ruchira Kamboj, Counsel General of India in Cape Town, South Africa, Abhishek Shukla, and Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Western Cape Government, Auroux Marais, members of Indian diaspora and South Africans Sailing Association.

INSV Tarini had reached Cape Town on March 2 after completion of fourth leg of her maiden voyage to circumnavigate the globe. This historic circumnavigation attempt by an all-women crew is being led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi and the crew comprises Lieutenant Commanders Pratibha Jamwal, P Swathi, and Lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya and Payal Gupta.

The crew had several engagements during their stay at Cape Town including a formal call-on High Commissioner of India, Mayor of Cape Town Patrica De Lille and Premier of Western Cape Helen Zille. A photo exhibition event and press interaction were also organised. The crew were also ‘On Air’ during the Radio Talkshow with famous RJ Pippa Hudson.

As part of their stay in harbour, the team interacted with students from University of Western Cape, St Paul’s Primary School and Lawhill Maritime Academy. INSV Tarini crew had an opportunity to interact with a wide range of stakeholders during the welcome reception hosted by the High Commissioner, which was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including state officials, businessmen, academicians, leaders from Indian community and media persons.

Several outstanding sportspersons and local populace also visited the vessel while she was open for onboard visits. Skipper Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi along with crew gave a talk and presentation at the Royal Cape Yacht Club and Maritime Academy. The crew also interacted with sailing community of Western Cape. The final port of call is scheduled at Goa in April-end.