5 months at sea

“It’s the morning of May 22. Last night went well. The wind is weak, less than 10 knots. The 40 miles covered is a good result considering I have no help from the wind. There is no current, the ocean is calm: not helping but not interfering either. I’m praying that it will continue this way. I’m in full control of the boat: I can turn it south-west, west, or north-west. I’m at the latitude of the Mooloolaba marina, and will stay here until the end. There are 300 miles left to go. I can see dark clouds up ahead; it’s raining on land. So far, it’s clear here.  “

Today marks my fifth month on the ocean. It seems incredibly long, but in reality, I am one month ahead of schedule. Simon Chalk and I predicted that I would be approaching Australia in mid-June. I have with me his map with his handwritten calculations and notes.

I received a message from my friend Vladimir Ledenev, who was my teammate in the North Pole – Canada 1988 expedition under the leadership of Dmitriy Shparo. Vladimir wanted to remind me that when the finish line is so close it’s critical more than ever to stay alert. There is no room for mistakes. I’m with you. Fedor.”

The map of the Tourgoyak’s course: http://yb.tl/konyukhov2

The detailed map of the course: www.oceanrowing.com/Konyukhov/Pacific2013/dist_map.htm

Translated by Tatiana Koreski