The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini left Lyttelton Port, New Zealand, on Saturday at about 0930 h local time (0200 h IST) for its onward passage (third leg) to Port Stanley (Falkland Islands).

"This is the longest leg of the expedition with a distance of approximately 5600 nm (approx 10,400 km)," the Indian government said in a statement.

This will also be the southernmost transit of Tarini at about 56 degrees South.

INSV Tarini, had arrived Lyttelton on 22 Dec 24 completing the second leg of the historic double-handed circumnavigation, being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers viz. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A - symbolising India’s growing prowess of maritime exploration.

During the period in Lyttelton, the crew undertook repairs and maintenance of the boat with particular focus on the next leg where the vessel will be crossing the South Pacific, pass through the treacherous Drake Passage, and cross Cape Horn to reach Port Stanley. With the frontal weather systems of the Southern Ocean, Team Tarini can expect to experience challenging seas with upto 50-60 knots (90 - 110 kmph) winds.

While in Lyttelton, the crew also interacted with the Indian community who were eager to visit the boat and query the crew about various aspects of ocean sailing.

 INSV Tarini was open to visitors at Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) on 02 Jan 24.

Visitors, from all walks, visited the vessel and interacted with the crew including Victoria Henstock, Councillor, Christchurch City Council.

A large number of members from the Indian Diaspora turned up for the Flag Off of INSV Tarini on 04 Jan 25.

Additionally, Belfiore Bologna, Honorary Consul of Italy for the South Island of New Zealand and Sue McFarlane, Head of Christchurch Antarctic Office, were also present.

Traditional Maori prayers for the crew by members of the Maori community were also undertaken during the Flag Off ceremony.

Navika Sagar Parikrama - II, is an Indian Navy expedition attempting a double-handed circumnavigation of the earth via the three Great Capes.

The boat was flagged off from Goa on 02 Oct 24 by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

After sailing across the Indian Ocean for 38 days, it halted at Fremantle, Australia, from 09-24 Nov 24.

The second leg from Fremantle to Lyttelton was sailed in 28 days where the boat saw various weather conditions.