By Srinivas Iyer | Mumbai
In continuation of the Indian Navy’s endeavour to build “Bridges of Friendship”, Sail Training Ship INS Tarangini will visit Trincomalee from February 27 to March 2, 2026, and Colombo from March 6 to 9, 2026. The visit aims to provide ocean sailing training and practical sea experience to trainee officers of the Sri Lanka Navy during both harbour and sea phases.
Commanded by Commander Nitin Gajjar, INS Tarangini is on her return passage from Visakhapatnam, where she participated in the International Fleet Review 2026. The Indian Navy is among the few navies globally that continue to operate sail training ships in the modern era of advanced propulsion systems, underscoring the enduring relevance of traditional seamanship.
Designed by internationally renowned yacht designer Colin Mudie, INS Tarangini was indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The three-masted barque features a robust steel hull, aluminium deckhouse and teak wood fittings. With an overall length of about 54 metres and a displacement of nearly 500 tonnes, the ship carries 20 sails with a total sail area exceeding 10,000 square feet.
INS Tarangini forms part of the First Training Squadron based at Kochi and primarily imparts sail training to officer cadets of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. During her port call at Trincomalee, the ship will embark Sri Lanka Navy trainee officers for an ocean passage to Colombo.
Named after the Hindi word Tarang, meaning waves, Tarangini holds the distinction of being the first Indian naval ship to circumnavigate the globe. Over the years, she has played a key role in naval diplomacy through multiple international voyages, reinforcing India’s rich maritime heritage and strong regional partnerships.
