The ongoing world voyage of the Russian Ocean Road (ROW) unfolds with a fresh vessel, confirmed by traveler Evgeny Kovalevsky to socialbites.ca. The crew secured a reliable boat equipped for long-distance sea travel, stocked with water and provisions, and they acknowledge the vital support from fellow Russians living in Australia. A heartfelt thanks goes to every person who contributed, with special recognition for a Tomsk-based philanthropist who provided the sailing craft. The boat itself is described as exceptional, ready for the demanding journey ahead.
On Tuesday, November 7, the expeditionary team set sail from the Townsville Yacht Club in Australia. The planned course trends north along the coastline toward Cape York and Thursday Island, keeping pace with the seasonal window for open-water navigation and resupply. The voyage follows a pragmatic route that balances safety, weather patterns, and execution of the broader mission, all while maintaining a steady cadence of progress along the Australian shore.
Kovalevsky outlined ambitious intentions after that segment: the team aims to proceed to Bali in Indonesia, then cross toward Thailand around the turn of the new year, before continuing into the Indian Ocean. The stated objective remains continuous exploration, broadening the geographic scope of the ROW project and highlighting the spirit of adventure that drives the crew to pursue new horizons despite the logistical challenges inherent in long-range sailing.
The expedition is organized by the Tomsk branch of the Russian Geographical Society. Its participants trace the route of the early Russian exploration patrols from the 19th century, following the footsteps of notable navigators Ivan Kruzenshtern and Thaddeus Bellingshausen. The historical line began on July 1, 2021, in Saint Petersburg, with a parallel aim to complete the circuit in Saint Petersburg on July 1, 2024. The project weaves together modern maritime exploration with the legacy of Russia’s earliest oceanic patrols, demonstrating a contemporary commitment to geographic discovery and cultural exchange.
Earlier setbacks include an attack on a world-touring catamaran, encountered during the voyage between Vanuatu and Australia. Between September 3 and 6, multiple shark encounters led to the loss of the catamaran and its equipment. Kovalevsky later stated that the overall voyage would continue, emphasizing resilience and the determination to persevere in the face of severe adversity. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of open-water journeys and the crew’s resolve to keep advancing along the ROW path.