Post by Bonobo on Nov 14, 2021 15:12:49 GMT 1
In modern times:
Leonid Teliga (28 May 1917 – 21 May 1970) was a Polish sailor, writer, journalist, translator and the first Pole to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe on his yawl Opty.
The yacht Opty was designed by engineer Leon Tumiłowicz, based on his earlier construction, the Tuńczyk class, but modified so that it would better fit the task of long, solitary cruise. Tuńczyk's predecessor, the Konik Morski type, was actually the first Polish seagoing construction, designed back in 1936. The construction of Opty began in January 1966, and finished in October. Although he received some support from Polish Yachting Association and other sources, Teliga funded the construction mostly on his own. Even though masts and booms were wooden, the yacht was fairly well equipped, as it had a pneumatic raft, a plastic boat for easier communication with the coast, and a wide set of sails for every kind of wind.
After having Opty transported to Casablanca, Teliga began his journey on 25 January 1967, heading west. During the course of the cruise, he visited Canary Islands, Lesser Antilles, Panama Canal, Galápagos Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji and Dakar. In Panama Canal, he experienced an unexpected delay as it took eleven days to persuade the Canal's administration to let him pass. Most likely that was the reason for him to skip Australia and do the final section of the circumnavigation without any landings, as after failing to get Australian visa he expected similar obstructions there.[1]
During his journey, Teliga became fairly well known, and acquired honorary membership of several yacht clubs. He experienced a hospitable welcome in nearly every port, and, incidentally, met compatriots in most of them.
By cruising non-stop from Fiji to Dakar for 165 days, he beat the world record previously held by Bernard Gilboy, who sailed single-handedly for 163 days in an attempt to cross the Pacific Ocean. However, when Teliga landed in Dakar on 9 January 1969, Robin Knox-Johnston has already been at sea for 210 days.
On 5 April 1969, he crossed his course from 1967, finishing the circumnavigation. It took him "2 years, 13 days, 21 hours and 15 minutes"[2]
Due to rapidly developing cancer, Teliga was forced to stop in Casablanca. He was transported back to Poland by plane. Despite having an operation, he died in May 1970.
Full story
www.onet.pl/turystyka/onetpodroze/leonid-teliga-samotny-rejs-dookola-swiata-na-jachcie-opty-ciekawostki-historia/nqc05re,07640b54
Leonid Teliga (28 May 1917 – 21 May 1970) was a Polish sailor, writer, journalist, translator and the first Pole to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe on his yawl Opty.
The yacht Opty was designed by engineer Leon Tumiłowicz, based on his earlier construction, the Tuńczyk class, but modified so that it would better fit the task of long, solitary cruise. Tuńczyk's predecessor, the Konik Morski type, was actually the first Polish seagoing construction, designed back in 1936. The construction of Opty began in January 1966, and finished in October. Although he received some support from Polish Yachting Association and other sources, Teliga funded the construction mostly on his own. Even though masts and booms were wooden, the yacht was fairly well equipped, as it had a pneumatic raft, a plastic boat for easier communication with the coast, and a wide set of sails for every kind of wind.
After having Opty transported to Casablanca, Teliga began his journey on 25 January 1967, heading west. During the course of the cruise, he visited Canary Islands, Lesser Antilles, Panama Canal, Galápagos Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji and Dakar. In Panama Canal, he experienced an unexpected delay as it took eleven days to persuade the Canal's administration to let him pass. Most likely that was the reason for him to skip Australia and do the final section of the circumnavigation without any landings, as after failing to get Australian visa he expected similar obstructions there.[1]
During his journey, Teliga became fairly well known, and acquired honorary membership of several yacht clubs. He experienced a hospitable welcome in nearly every port, and, incidentally, met compatriots in most of them.
By cruising non-stop from Fiji to Dakar for 165 days, he beat the world record previously held by Bernard Gilboy, who sailed single-handedly for 163 days in an attempt to cross the Pacific Ocean. However, when Teliga landed in Dakar on 9 January 1969, Robin Knox-Johnston has already been at sea for 210 days.
On 5 April 1969, he crossed his course from 1967, finishing the circumnavigation. It took him "2 years, 13 days, 21 hours and 15 minutes"[2]
Due to rapidly developing cancer, Teliga was forced to stop in Casablanca. He was transported back to Poland by plane. Despite having an operation, he died in May 1970.
Full story
www.onet.pl/turystyka/onetpodroze/leonid-teliga-samotny-rejs-dookola-swiata-na-jachcie-opty-ciekawostki-historia/nqc05re,07640b54