Tri-Service Women Crew Nears Global Sailing Homecoming

The Indian Army Sailing Vessel IASV Triveni, crewed by 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, is sailing from Cape Town to Mumbai after a global circumnavigation that began on 11 September 2025. The 50-foot yacht was built in Puducherry and is expected to complete the expedition in June 2026.

Expedition Route and Distance

The voyage, named Samudra Pradakshina, started from Mumbai and covered more than 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026. The crew stopped at Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Cape Town during the circumnavigation.

Vessel and Crew Composition

IASV Triveni is a 50-foot sailing yacht used by an all-women tri-service crew from the Indian Armed Forces. The expedition leader is Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, and Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju serves as Deputy Expedition Leader.

Navigation Features of the Voyage

The crew is scheduled to cross the equator twice and round three major capes during the expedition. The capes are Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.

Important Facts for Exams

• IASV Triveni is an Indian Army Sailing Vessel built in Puducherry.
• Samudra Pradakshina is India’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation.
• The crew consists of 10 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
• The expedition is planned to cover more than 43,000 kilometres in total.

Static GK on Circumnavigation

Circumnavigation means sailing around the Earth or a major part of it by sea. Cape Horn, Cape Leeuwin and the Cape of Good Hope are among the best-known capes used in long-distance ocean voyages.