Fedor Konyukhov on his icy way

by Sail-World Cruising on 8 Feb 2008 While you're sitting somewhere warm and dry reading this, spare a thought or two for Fedor...

Russian sailor Fedor Konyukhov passed through the Cottee Gate, named for Kay Cottee, (140E) at 15:17:56 UTC on Feb 5 to complete the first stage of his solo record attempt around the 14,000 mile Antarctica Cup racetrack. It has been a slow start, but with classic Southern Ocean winds – and snow – forecast for the next few days, the 56 year old adventurer expects to reach the next gate – Wilkes – in much shorter time.

The 360-degree Racetrack around Antarctica, which is open for the summer months from December to March, features gale force winds, high seas, fog, snow, icebergs, islands, extreme cold, the Antarctic circumpolar current, and Fedor will be sailing above and below the southern Polar Convergence.

His Open 85ft yacht Trading Network Alye Perusa covered the 400 mile distance from Gate 1 DUMONT d'URVILLE in two and a half days.

Lee Bruce, Fedor’s American weather router has advised: “We need to get some more south into Fedor’s course - a heading of about 115-130True whenever possible with 53’S 160’E as an aiming point. If we can’t leave Campbell Island to port, it’s not a big problem, but we are working with that in mind. A front will move through within the next 12 hours, bringing colder air—cold enough to result in snow showers. The upper-level air will be plenty cold enough to support snow, but the water temperature will help keep the temperature on the boat from falling too far. Still, snow or sleet may make it to the boat before melting”.

Forecast or next 3 days: NNW 20-25 knots gusting to 30-35 knots. Squalls.

Yesterday, Fedor reported: “It was a good day today. Clear skies with some high altostratus cloud. Wind 20 knots at times gusting up to 30 as predicted. I am experiencing massive swells corresponding with the forecast of 5-6 meters high, occasionally 7. The swell is coming from S-W and is smooth without windy tops. The boat is lifting gently.

'This “water express” has travelled from Cape Horn across Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans undisturbed. When I look at these waves I think of eternity. A thousand years waves all going in the same direction - nothing has changed here. When you see this vast ocean your mentality changes and you begin to think differently. Many things that seemed to be very important on dry land, have no meaning here.

'I would like to build some distance between New Zealand and Auckland Island. Last time when I sailed from Hobart to Falmouth (in 2005) I cut the corner and ended up on the bank with dozens of Korean fishing trawlers. It was during the night, with heavy rain and gusty winds. I had to sail very close to some of the trawlers and that was not very pleasant. This time I would like to leave all these islands to port and head for Cape Horn.

'The ocean is empty with hardly a sign of any life. I have seen Just one albatross which is very unusual. Normally I would expect to see some whales at this area – but not yet.
My GPS shows I have covered 1,500 nautical miles since the start. Not very impressive, but the first week was very light, with several calm periods. I have plenty of miles ahead and plenty of wind and think I will catch up. Today was one of those rare days you would like to frame. I wish it could stay like this for the rest of the voyage, but know it won’t!”