Three weeks on the ocean

“Today the weather has been favorable. The east wind of 12-15 knots, the waves are pushing me along the course. The conditions are pretty much ideal. The sun is weak but there is enough sunlight hitting solar panels to charge accumulators on board. It’s been three weeks since I left Concon. On one hand, these weeks just flew by, but on the other hand, it feels like it’s already been three months. The ocean can certainly change a human being quite rapidly. A person must accept the ocean. Fighting is futile, and trying to conquer the ocean is hopeless. You have to merge and become one with it no matter how indistinguishable and infinitesimal it makes you feel. Only then do you have a chance to reach your destination. This is strictly my approach and so far, it hasn’t failed me yet.

I still remember, just like yesterday, celebrating my 62nd Birthday in Concon. Exactly one month ago. It was my goal to depart on my birthday, but nature decided otherwise. The strong south-west wind kept me and Tourgoyak at bay. So I changed the start day to December 14th, but even then I guess it wasn’t my time yet. Four days later, the onboard accumulators failed completely and I had to turn back. The decision to come back to port was one the most difficult decisions I had to make. But in hindsight, it was a necessary, although not welcomed, introduction to rowing the Pacific. The frantic and stressful three days of repairs and installation of a new set of batteries is a whole another story. The second start was on December 22nd and it went much better.  

I’m looking at a small Birthday gift presented to me by my friends. A miniature replica of The Wandering Albatross monument installed at Cape Horn. My friends and I were privileged to circumnavigate the Cape Horn on one of the “Pelagic Australis” yacht just two weeks prior to starting this expedition. This was a very special trip for me with deep meaning as I’m sure it would be for any person who sails the oceans. Enough of reminiscing for one day. Hoping for another good day tomorrow. 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