The two captains are Sergei Shcherbakov and Aleixo Belov. Photo: press service of the Omsk Branch of the RGS
An international round-the-world expedition on a sailing yacht under the flags of the RGS and BRICS set off from the Brazilian city of Salvador. The crew of the circumnavigation includes yachtsmen from Russia and Brazil. The expedition is timed to coincide with significant events that highlight the long-standing cooperation between the two countries: the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations (2028), the 20th anniversary of BRICS (2026), the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society, the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The head of the Russian part of the crew is a well-known Omsk yachtsman, a member of the Omsk Regional Branch of the RGS Sergei Shcherbakov, who has twice circumnavigated the world on the yacht «Siberia». The Brazilian part of the team is led by Aleixo Belov, a legendary traveler and member of the Omsk Regional Branch of the RGS.
«The launch of the "Brotherhood-2025" expedition is not only a large-scale circumnavigation of the globe, but also a symbol of the unity of culture, science, and international cooperation. Under the flags of the RGS and BRICS, a team of Russian and Brazilian yachtsmen will unite continents, cross oceans, and remind the world of the importance of dialogue between countries. During the trip, the crew will conduct educational work, telling about Russia, its history, and the activities of the Russian Geographical Society in the countries along the route,» said Ivan Krott, Chairman of the Omsk Regional Branch of the RGS.
The crew of the circumnavigation expedition in the port. Photo: Sergei Shcherbakov
In 10 months, the yachtsmen will have to cover 45,000 thousand km, pass Cape Chelyuskin and Cape Horn, as well as pass along the Northern Sea Route. The expedition will take place on the Brazilian two-masted sailing yacht «Fraternidade» (Portuguese for «Brotherhood»). The 80-ton metal-hulled vessel is equipped with two 270 hp engines each and can accommodate up to 12 people.