Fedor Konyukhov will set sail from Falmouth UK on Friday 12th October on a shake-down solo voyage to Albany, Western Australia in preparation for his attempt to become the first man to sail solo non-stop around Antarctica.

The 56 year-old yachtsman and his 27 metre (88ft) yacht Trading Network Alye Parusa will set out from the National Maritime Museum dock at 10:00am. He will be sailing solo, non-stop and expects to complete the 12,500 mile voyage to the historic port of Albany by December.

Fedor and his team have spent the past 3-months preparing his Open 85 yacht for the challenge ahead at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth. The Russian adventurer, who has completed four previous global circumnavigations, plans to set out on the 14,600 mile Antarctica Cup Race Track in January and set a benchmark record as a prelude to the Antarctica Cup Race planned for 2009/10 to coincide with the Centenary celebrations of the Princess Royal Sailing Club in Albany.

The record attempt will be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) to provide a benchmark for others to beat. 

Bob Williams, the CEO of the Antarctica Cup Management said today:  We wish Fedor good speed and look forward to welcoming him in Albany. The extreme nature and historical significance of this record attempt will appeal to audiences way beyond normal ocean sailing events. His voyage Down-Under offers the best possible preparation and we will be monitoring Trading Network Alye Parusa's progress throughout the voyage and publishing weekly updates.

Aerial photography and video footage is available on a copyright free basis from PPL Photo Agency. Contact Emma Brenton on +44 (0)1243 555561 e.mail: ppl@mistral.co.uk

Media wishing to follow Fedor Konyukhov's departure should contact Oscar Konyukhov: +44 (0)7833 537449.e.mail: oscar@yachtagency.ru

Places on the press boat are restricted and will be allocated on a pre-booked basis only.

For further information and interviews, Contact: Bob Williams, Chairman – Antarctica Cup Management Pty Ltd rwilliams@antarcticacup.com

www.antarcticacup.com

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