Rowing adventure begins

A Russian priest has left Dunedin on a world record rowing attempt. Supporters of Fedor Konyukhov, 66, gave him food, including chocolate, as he made last-minute preparations on Thursday. Konyukhov aims to become the first person to row the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn. Strong winds delayed his departure until 6.30pm. His journey – a 27,000km solo circumnavigation of the world – attracted interest from Russian media, who were at the Port Chalmers Yacht Club to see him off. Dunedin was chosen as Konyukhov believed it offered favourable launch conditions for his 9-metre vessel, Akros.