RUSSIAN explorer Fedor Konyukhov left Falmouth's Kings Wharf dock yesterday morning to begin his epic round-the-world voyage.

He has been moored alongside the pontoon in front of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in his giant maxi yacht Trading Network Alye Parusa (Scarlet Sail).

Fedor Konyukhov is the most recognised Russian explorer in the world who is also an artist, and journalist.

He has written eight books, painted over 3,000 pictures and carried out 40 unique expeditions and ascents.

His travels all over the globe include three visits to the North Pole and one to the South Pole and he has spent over 1,000 days solo voyaging.

His 85 foot maxi yacht, Alye Parusa, is the largest of its kind in the world and was built in 1999 in France.

He is to attempt to break the record for the fastest single-handed non stop round the world voyage. It is the first time that a yacht of this size has been sailed single-handed and a small bit of the museum will be sailing with him.

Having struck a fond relationship with the museum, Fedor asked if he could have one of the Maritime Museum's flags so that it could sail with him on his travels and cover the incredible journey representing Falmouth and the Museum around the world. The Museum was delighted to hand over a large battle flag.

Fedor Konyukhov already holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing from Plymouth to Boston which he completed in 14 days and 7 hours. He is the only Russian to have climbed the highest peaks of all seven continents in the world and even has a vodka named after him by the Moscow Stella factory! The indefatigable Russian traveller is also the holder of a Friendship of Peoples Order, one of Russia's highest honours.

Fedor has been moored in Falmouth for several months while Pendennis Shipyard carried out work reconstructing the keel, and fitting new solar panels to the yacht.

Before leaving Fedor said: "I have visited over 70 countries and the people of Falmouth are among the friendliest I have met. The hospitality we have been shown has been overwhelming."

When asked what the biggest challenge of the solo circumnavigation would be Fedor replied: "My boat has not been tested in the southern ocean. Although I have crossed the Atlantic ocean twice in this yacht, the winds and the waves will be very different in the southern oceans. That will be my biggest challenge."

The museum in Falmouth has given Fedor Konyukhov several souvenirs that he will carry with him including a card signed by museum staff and volunteers. Fedor expects to complete his journey in 120 days.