Solo around Antarctica
Published on 25.11.2007 - Solo Around Antarctica
The Russian skipper, Fedor Konyukhov, is to sail round Antarctica. The course he takes will be used as a benchmark for a future race around Antarctica that the West Australian city of Albany intends to organise.
Born in 1951, Fedor Konyukhov has always been attracted to extraordinary adventures on land and sea. Author of nine books, Fedor has already been to the North Pole three times and to the South Pole once. The many expeditions he has on his list of achievements include a trek between Vladivostok and St Petersburg on a bicycle and a crossing of the Laptev Sea in the Arctic Ocean. In 1995-96, he became the first Russian to reach the South Pole from Hercules Inlet. He has also successfully completed the challenge of climbing all of the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.
This time around, Fedor intends to circumnavigate the entire continent of Antarctica. His adventure will serve as a test for the authorities of the Albany Yacht Club in Western Australia, who plan to launch a race round Antarctica soon, called the Antarctica Cup Racetrack.
Konyukhov set sail on yet another solo voyage from the English port of Falmouth on 12th October. Having experienced a few problems passing through the doldrums, the latest news is that he has not yet reached Albany.