105 days in the ocean

Today, we had an extended communication session with Fedor Konyukhov. The weather is favorable – plenty of sunshine, and the solar panels are operating at full capacity.

Fedor Konyukhov:

“Today is probably the best weather since the start. The ocean is smooth and calm, the sun is bright. There are light clouds in the sky. I even managed to dry my boots! I had almost forgotten that the ocean could look like this.

Yesterday, the weather started to improve, and at night I saw an aging Moon and billions of stars. The sky was completely clear. The moon came out and the ocean sparkled with golden ripples.

Mediterranean-like weather has been holding up all day today.

I’m passing 300 miles north of the Crozet Islands. This is my sixth crossing of the Southern Indian Ocean – five times on sailing yachts, but the first time on a rowing boat. In 2016, I also crossed it in a hot air balloon.

I look up at the sky and thank God for allowing me to be in this ocean right now and to have crossed it so many times.

Taking advantage of the good weather, I decided to pump water using a desalination plant. When tried to start the device, the lights flickered, but the system wouldn’t turn on. I had to grab a screwdriver and remove the protective cover. I found the corroded contacts – the copper wiring crumbled to dust. Luckily, there was enough spare wire length, so I stripped and reconnected it. The sockets were heavily corroded, and I don’t know how long this system will hold. But for now, the desalinator is working again. At least I know where the problem is and will keep monitoring it.

Yesterday I climbed to 40°30′ south latitude, the farthest north I’ve gone so far. It’s definitely warmer, but the farther north I go, the greater the chance of encountering headwinds. Right now, it’s best for me to stay in the 41-43 degree south latitude corridor.”

Coordinates: 40°55′ south latitude, 51°45′ east longitude.

Route map: https://www.iridium360.ru/guest/journey/cc965788

Screenshots provided by expedition center member Alexander Banar.