On December 14, famous Russian traveler Fyodor Konyukhov steered his Turgoyak rowboat out of the yacht club in the town of Concon on the Pacific coast of Chile.

      After dawn, a support group of two motorboats overhauled Turgoyak and floated alongside the Russian traveler's ship about 45 minutes. A ship of the Chilean Navy escorted Turgoyak for longer than others, leaving Konyukhov at the Chilean maritime boundaries. After that Konyukhov remained alone in the Pacific. Turgoyak headed for Australia, where, according to captain's plans, it will be arriving in 200 days. Traveler's son, Oscar Konyukhov said that the Consul of the Russian Federation in Chile, Constantine Likurtsev gave the start signal to rowing marathon at 06:45 local time (13:45 Moscow time). Many people – his friends, Russian citizens residing in Chile and the local yachtsmen came to see off Fyodor. During communication sessions made by satellite phone, the Moscow naval staff of Fyodor Konyukhov's Pacific expedition will be monitoring the further advance of Turgoyak towards Australia. 

      Fedor Konyukhov: “Rowing solo across the Pacific Ocean is an extreme mission and we need the help of the professionals in this field.  To cross the Atlantic you are faced with 3000 nautical miles and that you can manage in one season. In contrast, rowing across the Pacific Ocean, from the coast of Chile to the east coast of Australia, you are up against 8000 nautical miles.  We are thinking that 180-200 days in the ocean is a given for this kind of project.  Understandably, one season won’t be enough.  I plan to start in December of 2013 (summer in the Southern Hemisphere) and finish the rowing by the fall of 2014.  The heavy storms will be inevitable as I near Australia.  The boat will undergo colossal pressure, and I need the latest technology in building and equipping the row boat.  That’s why I asked for Charlie and Simon’s help in organizing this project.  It’s a great advantage that they both have extensive experience in building their ocean row boats.  In addition, Simon has put together ocean races and I will rely on his knowledge to get the boat to Chile from England, and helping me with the logistics of crossing from Chile to Australia.”