All-women naval team's sailboat reaches New Zealand

Lyttelton (New Zealand), Nov 30 :  The Indian Navy's sailboat INSV Tarini -- carrying an all-women crew of six on an around-the-world expedition -- arrived here in New Zealand, their second port of call during the world odyssey.

Lack of wind has been the biggest challenge for the crew on the sailboat, its skipper Lt Commander Vertika Joshi said after the vessel arrived at Lyttelton on Wednesday.

The boat arrived a day later than expected, with Vertika Joshi mentioning unusually calm seas, with little wind, as they crossed the Tasman Sea, an official statement said on Thursday.

"We were told to expect rough seas, but somehow that didn't happen," Joshi was quoted as saying in a statement released by New Zealand's High Commission in India.

"Lack of wind has been the most challenging aspect of the journey so far. It can get really frustrating when the sails start flapping and you don't make good headway," she said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had flagged off INSV Tarini from Goa on September 10. 

The vessel has covered 7,800 nautical miles from Goa, crossing the Equator on September 25 and Cape Leeuwin on November 9. It reached Fremantle on October 23 in the first leg of its journey, departing again on November 5 for Lyttelton.

Welcoming INSV Tarini to New Zealand on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Captain Corina Bruce admired the crew.

"These women are not only outstanding representatives of their country and their service but also a high-performing team of ocean sailors," Captain Bruce said.

"This round-the-world voyage is definitely not for the fainthearted but these sailors have clearly shown that they have what it takes."

"As a sailor myself, I am incredibly impressed by these sailors who have set an example for women around the world with their courage and determination," added Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand's High Commissioner to India. 

"It's indeed a special occasion for New Zealand to welcome these pioneers and be part of this historic effort."

Ahead of the sailboat crew will be the challenge of the longest and probably roughest leg, from Lyttelton to the Falkland Islands, which involves passing Cape Horn.

The crew of Lieutenant Commanders Joshi, Pratibha Jamwal and P. Swathi and Lieutenants S. Vijaya Devi, B. Aishwarya and Payal Gupta will spend about two weeks in New Zealand.

"Our main focus will be to get the sailboat ready for the next leg. We would like to look around. This is a beautiful place," Lieutenant Commander Joshi said.

The vessel is expected to return to Goa in April 2018. 

The expedition will be covered in five legs, with stopovers at four ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South Africa). 

Presently, the vessel has covered two of the five legs, with the first port halt at Fremantle in October.

The crew has also been collating and updating meteorological, ocean and wave data on a regular basis for accurate weather forecasts by the India Meteorological Department, as also monitoring marine pollution on the high seas. 

It would interact extensively with locals, especially children, during the port halt to promote ocean sailing and a spirit of adventure.

The vessel is likely to depart from Lyttelton on December 12.