Fedor Konyukhov Due to Finish

by Nancy Knudsen on 7 May 2008 Fedor Kohyukhov, Russian adventurer and sailor, attempting to become the first sailor to circumnavigate Antarctica, has victory within his sights, with only 80 miles to go to reach Albany, where he started his journey.

Fedor reported that the ocean is nice and smooth, although the wind is right on the nose – from N-E. Fedor has to sail very close to the wind with COG 010, then will tack to sail east, then tack again to sail on the direct course to Albany.

Fedor Konyukhov over the phone: 'The sky is magnificent; I have not seen such a blue sky for ages. Sun shine, gentle Ocean, dolphins – is it for real? Only 3 days ago I was battling 50 knots of S-W wind, massive waves, cold and now enjoying Mediterranean style cruise. If it not the head winds, I would get to Albany by mid night today, but with several tacks I need to place it will take another half a day to get to Eclipse Islands where I expect to meet press boat from Albany. My yacht looks very happy and seems enjoy the warm and sunny weather. Sure she deserves such a treatment after working non stop from 12 of October 2007, the day we left Falmouth UK to sail to Albany. One week in Cape Town and 2 weeks in Albany – that was it – short rest for good ship Open 85 'Trading Network Alye Parusa'. I was standing and looking how her bow relentlessly piercing the ocean and this is happening for nearly 30.000 miles in one season – great respect to this vessel.

I check my food stock. Nothing testy, so will wait until we get to Albany and order nice thick steak. Clean sheets, shower, nice dinner and 12 hours sleep, may be it sounds basic, but this is exactly what I need.

On land in Albany, his son and a crowd of wellwishers including representatives of the world's press will be waiting.

'Here in Albany the wind is blowing only 5-8 knots, so it is hard to work out Fedor's ETA with any accuracy.' Said Oscar Konyukhov, Trading Network Alye Perusa's shore manager, adding. 'We expect the winds to drop further overnight, so our best estimate is a Wednesday morning finish.'