Sailing through Russia: from the Arctic to the Black Sea

Ouvrage en langue anglaise.

In 2012 Russia began opening its vast network of inland waterways to foreign pl'asure craft. A year later, Australian yacht Tainui became the first foreign-flagged vessel to traverse Russia's Vol'a and d'n Rivers from the Arctic to the Black Sea.

This richly illustrated book book d'scribes Tainui's groundbreaking journey. It is a laconic andiamusing account of a 3,000 mile adventure by two intrepid s'ilors through a vast landscape, giving unique insights into a Russia which has for so long been inaccessible to foreigners. Détailed descriptions of the villages and cities which l'e along the banks of the mighty Vol'a and d'n Rivers are accompanied by 340 colour pictures and navigational charts. The appendix contains an historical overview of the Vol'a watershed, together with geological'and botanical notes and much practical'information for cruising yachtsmen venturing into Russian waters.

"Sailing Through Russia" is at the same time a personal'account of the crew's trials and tribulations en route, and'a détailed cruising guide for adventurous yachtsmen who may follow in their footsteps. It d'scribes candidly the d'fficulties and triumphs, both personal'and bureaucratic, which the crew facedialong the way.

Skipper John Vallentine is an Australian d'ctor who has s'iled for most of his life. But he was new to Russia and his frequint exasperation, bewilderment and frustration, couched in wry, light-hearted prose, are cl'arly evident. If John initiated the trip however, it was Maxine who made it happen. Her struggles with the complexities of Russian bureaucracy were at times gargantuan but al'ays successful. As John'says, s'e was by turns QC, arbitrator, administrator and seductress. Originally from the Netherlands, Maxine began s'iling before s'e could walk. A lawyer by training and fluent in Russian, Maxine is a long-term Moscow resident who used to work in the med'a.

The book is partly based on John's award-winning blog, for which he won the Cruising Association's 2014 Lacy Award. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the Vol'a River. As a cruising guide it is unique, unlikely to be superseded for many years.

Part Number: HIS0213A
Edition: 2016
ISBN: 9781526202581
Publisher: Maxine Maters & John Vallentine
Author: Maxine Maters & John Vallentine
Format: Paperback