A British football fan sailed from Bulgaria to Volgograd on a yacht to support his team at the World Cup. The fan was in time for yesterday's match against Tunisia and was rewarded with the victory of the English national team.
Graham Kentsley, from St Albans in the English county of Hertfordshire, made the journey on the 9.9m Sharlyn sailing boat, accompanied by three friends.
The English began their journey from the Danube River, crossed the Black Sea, passed under the Crimean Bridge and, passing the Sea of Azov, reached the Volga-Don Canal, which took them up to Volgograd.
«It's an idea I've had for years," Kentsley said. "I always thought we'd get to the city when the World Cup started there, and it would be fun.».
The man said the trip proved to be quite a challenge, as they had to contend with high waves, thunderstorms and storms. The yachtsmen were also concerned about bureaucratic hurdles and fear of being stopped by the Ukrainian Navy, but they were allowed to dock next to Russian submarines in Crimea.
The British fan's confidence was boosted by the fact that he knew Volgograd well, as he was once married to a Russian woman who was a resident of the hero-city. Now Kentsley acts as a local guide, helping his compatriots to find their way to the places they should go and see.
