A conversation with Fedor Konyukhov using the Iridium satellite telephone system.

4 January 2019
A conversation with Fedor Konyukhov using the Iridium satellite telephone system.

“Everything is good with me. For the first days of the New Year, I have made reasonable progress to the South-East in the direction of Cape Horn. After three days of favourable weather, today has been a challenge; the wind has gone Southerly and is dragging me in the opposite direction.

I’m caught in a wind shear. I am situated literally on the border between two weather systems. To the East the wind is true Northerly, while astern the wind is true Southerly. There waves are almost vertical from two different directions, they collide, producing a fountain of spray. It is as though they are clapping their hands. It is impossible to remain on the deck; I could be thrown out as though from a catapult. It is no easier inside the cabin. I have injured my elbow and shoulder, and sit in a pilot’s helmet to protect my head. The headpiece doesn’t fit – it is too big, so I am forced to seat myself bent over. I should have brought a tank operator’s helmet with me, it would have offered better protection.

Yesterday I passed an important milestone. There are 100 degrees longitude left to Cape Horn. If I can make a degree a day, I have 100 days left of my journey. I did not expect such unstable weather. I had counted on persistent Westerly winds, but this year they are much further south, closer to Antarctica, and in my latitudes I am experiencing cyclone after cyclone.

Where there is physical suffering here, there is spiritual reward. There is no temptation, covetousness, judgement, avarice, or blasphemy. Out here I can only row and pray for the Lord’s mercy: every paddle goes with ‘Lord, have mercy’. I have seen out the night – thank God. The sun has set to a clear horizon – thank God. If it doesn’t rain, it is very good, as I can dry myself and give an airing the cabin. If it rains, it is also good, it will wash the salt from the solar batteries and they will charge better.

I must hold out for the next 24 hours. The weather forecast is good for the Orthodox Christmas. I will hope it proves true, so that I can celebrate Christmas on a calm ocean.

My regards to all.
Fedor Konyukhov
47’00 South
165’15 West