Sailor in the Spotlight - Fedor Konyukhov

Many people seek adventure in their lives, but few fit the title “Adventurer.” Fewer still can claim “Explorer” on a resume. After all, what's left to explore? As Fedor Konyukhov has continued to prove, plenty! From his roles in multiple expeditions, to climbing Everest (twice), to running the famous Iditarod, Fedor has proven that he isn't just a sailor - yet his sailing achievements alone would stand on their own merit as an amazing career. Fedor is truly an adventurer of legendary proportions, who could stand among the greatest explorers in history, and we are proud to feature him as our latest Sailor in the Spotlight.

If you've been following his most recent adventure, you know that Fedor has been exploring the Southern Oceans, setting a new race route around the globe for the Antarctica Cup, while at the same time advising government agencies like NOAA on the state of the Antarctic ice - precisely because he's the only one there to see it. Of course, he's single-handing these dangerous waters, home to some of the most brutal weather on the planet. Why? This Artist-Adventurer is doing it to set a safer course for those who will follow.

We caught up with Fedor in the final leg of his journey. He's heading home, beating, racing the approach of Winter in the Southern Seas, yet he took some time out to answer a few questions for YachtPals.

YP: At times it seems your adventures are designed to pit you against the worst elements, and yet your writing often seems more as if you are communing with nature during your journey than battling it. Is this because you have the heart of an adventurer and the soul of a poet, or a reflection of the current weather conditions?

FK: I think it is both. As an artist I enjoy various decorations of the ocean and as a sailor I know that fighting the ocean is self destructive. You will be defeated twice – by the ocean and by your mind. In the conditions I have now – strong headwind that pushes me away from finish – the only way to have peace of mind is to treat it like part of the game: sun, rain, down wind, up wind. Ocean varies every minute. The key factor of successful expedition or sailing – is to become part of the environment.

YP: Who are your heroes (in all regards, not just sailing), and what effect have they had on you personally and professionally?

FK: My heroes are: Jack London as writer, Rockwell Kent as an artist, Naomi Uemura (Japan) as solo adventure.

I don’t have sailing heroes, but I like what Sir Peter Blake achieved: won Whitbread, won Jules Vern Trophy, and won Americas Cup. He had done the grand slam of yachting. I know how challenging it is to switch from one subject to another: from sailing into climbing, into polar adventures. Peter Blake stayed within sailing, but reached the top level in every field in which he got involved.

YP: What do you still want to accomplish in your sailing career, publicly and personally?

FK: 80 days non stop monohull fully crewed. The last great ocean challenge. Not many people realize that we had astronauts on the Moon, but have never sailed a monohull yacht around our planet inside 80 days.

Personally – I would like to build 50 meter+ ocean going yacht to explore the remote parts of the Ocean. While sailing Antarctica Cup course, I passed all these magnificent and remote islands. I was dreaming of having a strong yacht and experienced TV crew to make a documentary about this ‘far side of the world’. I am sure we would get fantastic footage.

YP: Do you believe that, with the world getting smaller in terms of communication and navigation, it's getting more difficult to seek a life of true adventure, or easier?

FK: Adventure is always there. The better the equipment - the harder the challenge. In 1989 Soviet team (I was part of this team) skied to the North Pole. We had 4 air drops (re supplies) and it took us 60 days. Now young polar adventurers skied to the North Pole unassisted, in Polar night (complete darkness) and in 45 days! Unbelievable but that is the fact. Everest is greatest challenge and with advanced forecast and light weight equipment, the record climb stands at 12 hours. It took Sir Edmund Hillary nearly a week. Progress gives us opportunity to make more challenging adventures.

YP: When sailing for fun, what's your favorite type of boat to sail?

FK: Sailing for fun – means you have free time. I don’t have time to sail for fun. I only get on board to do well planned adventure or campaigns.

YP: What has been your favorite place to sail?

FK: I like the Southern Ocean, with its classical conditions, long Westerly swell, and 30 knots of westerly breeze.

YP: Where on earth would you still like to visit?

FK: I am interested in all places that capture my imagination. It can be rural Russian Orthodox village somewhere in Siberia or Greenland. Sailing on the yacht in the remote ocean I often think – what is down under the keel? Deep water exploration is great source of adventure and we people are still at a very low technical level exploring our oceans.

 

 

YP: What advice would you give the next generation of adventurers?

FK: When preparing an expedition, don’t let the business part overtake the adventure. Be passionate about sailing, climbing etc. Don’t treat it is as pure business. Adventure is a lifestyle. At the age of 56 – I think I can say that.

Regards, Fedor Konyukhov

Antarctica Cup Race Track
Southern Indian Ocean

 

 

- Brad and Kim Hampton

Photos by Barry Pickthall/PPL

Submitted By YachtPals on 27 Apr

Sailor in the Spotlight, Fedor Konyukhov, sailor, sailing, yachts, yacht, boats, boat, sailboats, sailboat

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