Epic Journey: Russian Adventurers Educate the World from a Tiny Trimaran

Docked in Phuket for a brief respite, Evgeny Kovalevsky and Stanislav Berezkin aren't your typical tourists. These intrepid sailors from Siberia embarked on an extraordinary odyssey three years ago – a global circumnavigation on a small trimaran, all in the name of education.

Their mission, dubbed the "Russian Ocean Way," pays homage to the 250th anniversary of explorer Ivan Krusenstern's first Russian circumnavigation and the 200th anniversary of Antarctica's discovery by Russian sailors.

Beyond the Daredevil Spirit:

While their feat may seem like a daredevil stunt, Kovalevsky, the expedition leader, and Berezkin, the ship captain, are driven by a far nobler purpose.

"We're on a public diplomacy mission," Kovalevsky explains. "We conduct presentations at universities, meet with Russian communities, and connect with students worldwide."

Their unique platform? Open online lessons broadcasted directly from the ocean via satellite internet. Children across the globe tune in, peppering them with questions and experiencing the wonders of sailing firsthand. The next lesson is scheduled for April 3rd at 11 AM Moscow time, and students everywhere, including Thailand, are invited to participate.

Facing the Fury of the Oceans:

The journey hasn't been without its perils. The duo has braved storms, faced critical situations 20 times (including five "supercritical" ones), and even fended off shark attacks.

"I thought I was going to die more than 20 times," confesses 67-year-old Kovalevsky.

He vividly recalls a terrifying encounter with "cookie cutter" sharks in the Australian open sea.

"The sharks mistook our inflatable boat for whale carcass and attacked. We had to jump out and activate SOS signals before being rescued by Australian authorities."

Strength, Endurance, and a Connection to the Universe:

Despite the brushes with danger, their adventurous spirit remains undimmed.

"It takes incredible strength and perseverance," says Kovalevsky. "The hardest part is tolerating each other in such close quarters. Endurance is key."

Thousands of days at sea have yielded profound realizations for Kovalevsky. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, the interconnectedness of the planet, and the profound sense of belonging to the universe.

"Everyone has their own way to understand the universe," he reflects, "to feel the connection with something bigger."

Follow the Voyage:

To learn more about these remarkable sailors and their ongoing adventure, visit their website: https://sibtraveler.com