Andrey Podkolzin, director general of OCEAN TV channel, and entrepreneur Mikhail Tsvetkov have purchased a Soviet service boat «Yaroslavets», which they intend to convert into a research vessel and use in a large multi-year expedition along Russian rivers and lakes.
In early July the cutter, which has already got an official name of Axidian Explorer, will be prepared for filming the pilot episode of the movie, which will take place on Onega Lake near Kizhi and on Severskoe Lake in the vicinity of the Kirillo-Belozersky male monastery. Now the crew of the ship is being recruited.
Basic works on reequipment of «Yaroslavets» will begin in winter. The boat will be completely repainted. The superstructure will contain a wheelhouse, salon with a galley and a bathroom, and behind the superstructure there will be a full width recreational deck. A cabin with two bunks will be placed on the lower deck foredeck and stateroom for 12 persons - on amidships.
The renewed Axidian Explorer will first set sail on the Volga. «It will take at least two years to make a film about», the mother of Russian rivers. At the same time, it is planned to explore the northern rivers - Vytegra, Vychegra, Northern Dvina, Pechora. The expedition will focus on the history of these rivers, the people living on their banks, and ecology.
