It is good to be back in St Petersburg. Here there is little of the bling and those camel-vulva lip augmentations which are so common in Moscow. People are more open and friendly and the…

In St Petersburg we had a rare treat. Over an extended lunch in her kitchen Larisa’s lovely mother recited Pushkin for us. Then her grandson joined in for some Mayakovsky. The video clips are too…

Our paths first crossed in Svalbard and tonight, after a lengthy internet interview we dined with veteran yachtsman Nikolai Litau. He’s one of those sailors who make (or is it “makes”?) you realise how unimportant your…

Our Tainui Volga presentation at the Chekhov Institute attracted a full house. We spoke informally, in English, with slides. Giving these lectures it is always a challenge deciding what your audience wants to hear and,…

Here I am in Moscow, yet again miles from the sea! Last time here it was -26 deg C, but now the days are long, sunny and warm.  Fur coats are stashed and bling things strut,…

Halfway between Noumea and Brisbane last year, my wonderful crew Ian and Jochen brought out a bottle of fine wine to celebrate my 70th birthday in Tainui. 2 months later, when I mentioned this celebration back…