Sailing the Volga through Russia

[tolhurstorganic]

I have tried to gather info on the prospect of sailing this great river, there are several possibilities. Enter via Baltic and St Petersburg, or enter via Barents Sea and exit via the Caspian or through the Don to Sea of Azov and then onto Med. Entry would have to be March onwards due to ice, then travelling south this would also be with the prevailing current.
Has anybody any info about navigation as there seems to be very little available, anybody know anyone that has done it or any sources of info would be much appreciated. Do charts exist they must do as a large number of ships use the river.

 

[Dockhead]

The Amazon of Europe . . .

AFAIK, the Caspian is still closed to foreign flagged vessels, but the world's greatest inland waterway is now open for business. So you will need to turn right at the Volga-Don and squirt out the Sea of Azov into the Black Sea.

It will be a supreme adventure, but speaking as one who has sailed in Russian waters - you will want a local pilot for the entire journey. The bureaucracy is not set up to handle foreign yachts (it was just this year, that they've been allowed at all) so you will save an immense hassle by hiring someone to deal with it for you.

Certainly worth it, however. You will get a book out of it, for sure, I would think.

 

[Searush]

I'd go with the flow if you can. The big European rivers can have prodigous currents. Battling 4-5nts for a few thousand Km might prove a tad testing.

 

[tolhurstorganic]

Yes I understand what you say about the hassle of it all dealing with the crats and that. So would take the wife along she is from the former USSR and has experience of dealing with the officials on a variety of levels. She can also sail a bit and is a great cook!

 

[Tranona]

Was done in 1992 by Miles Clark, then a YM journalist in his father's (Wallace Clark) 1930s MG designed boat Wild lone. Unfortunately he was exposed to toxins and died the next year. Wrote a book. Google him and you will get all the references from his Wiki entry.