First-ever sailing expedition of all women officers

• ByStartupStory     |    September 21, 2022

The first-ever offshore all-women officers sailing expedition ‘Chennai-Visakhapatnam-Chennai’ by the Indian Army departed from Chennai Port on February 15. The women team of officers resumed their adventure from city Vizag on Thursday evening. The boat began its journey back to Chennai the following day. The expedition, organized by the Army Southern Wing Sailing Command Node and the EME Sailing Association, will finish on Sunday. Major Priya Semwal, Major Priya Das, Major Rashmil, Major Arpita, Major Sanjana Mithal, Captain Jyothi Singh, Captain Malvika Rawat, Captain Subham Solanki, and Captain Sonal Goyal comprise the all-female team of the Indian Army Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), led by Major Mukta Shree Gautam. 

Major Mukta Shree Gautam says, “There is no domain that blocks women from foraying into. Through the offshore sailing adventure, we want to encourage young women to consider sailing a serious sport, brushing aside the challenges they come across. If you are determined to follow your dream, nothing will stop you from realising it.” 

The team leader emphasizes the need of rejecting the concept that women are inadequate for a specific field. The Principal shares that women should participate in extreme sports and join the military because they are capable of accomplishing everything they set their minds to. Additionally, they have enough opportunity to leave their mark in sailing. Before leaving on the journey, the ten female officers had undergone rigorous training, including a 25-day-long seamanship course at HPTC, Mumbai, and a 10-day training aboard the Bavaria-class vessel itself in Chennai. Although there are 10 female officers on board, the crew consists of a team of six plus one (the team leader) at any one moment. The all-female crew, coordinated by Lt. Mudundi Viswanadh and Major Prashant Kishore of the ground liaison team, expressed delight at participating in the remarkable journey.

Sharing some of the ordeals experienced, Major Mukta Shree Gautam says, “Apart from wading through gusty winds during the voyage, the real challenge came in the form of bouts of sea sickness for some as they’re sailing for the first time.” There are three women officers onboard embarking on the maiden voyage. To make the adventure a hassle-free exercise, the team leader says that the crew is divided into teams as work and activities are shared among them in shifts. “Planning comes in handy for a smooth conduct of the audacious expedition,” the Major adds.

Nothing can stop women, yet again this was proven by the team. Especially, when thorough preparation is combined with hard effort and perseverance, extraordinary results are achieved.

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