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After sailing 7000 nautical miles alone at sea, Dmitry Pelevin has finally landed on New Zealand soil. She arrived on Christmas Eve, into the open arms of her seven-year-old son Andre.
Pelevin has been sailing from the Caribbean for the past two months. Since he had not seen his son for nine months and Covid-19 restricted air travel, Pelevin made the decision that sailing to New Zealand alone, despite having no experience doing so, was the only way he would see his son. in time for Christmas.
Pelevin, who had been living in Russia, cleared customs in Opua, Northland, where he was administered a Covid-19 test, which came back negative. Quarantine at sea for more than two weeks meant he was allowed to enter the country.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
Dmitry Pelevin sailed to New Zealand to spend Christmas Day with his son Andre.
Pelevin stopped by Auckland’s Gulf Harbor Marina on Thursday afternoon after completing the final leg of his journey, from the Bay of Islands, in front of a crowd of family and the media.
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Ex-wife Olga and Andre eagerly awaited his arrival at the marina, armed with chocolates and cake to surprise him.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
Andre awaits his father, who was originally due to return to New Zealand for his birthday in October.
Pelevin’s return was delayed, he had originally planned to be home for Andre’s birthday on October 17.
Even on Thursday bad weather and a few other setbacks on the last leg of the trip saw him arrive later than expected.
Pelevin said Stuff it had been a long and challenging journey, after two months at sea.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
Dmitry Pelevin sailed to Auckland’s Gulf Harbor after months at sea.
“The last part was the most complicated, because the cyclone season is here. I was squeezed between the cyclones, one passed behind me for a couple of days. I was very lucky with the weather the whole way.
“I had some problems with the boat. My engine broke down just after leaving Panama, so from there to Tahiti I was almost doing it without an engine. My mainsail was ripped off, so I was sailing with a single sail. “
Andre was glad to have his father back, saying that he is kind and gives him gifts.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
His son Andre and his ex-wife Olga were waiting at the marina for Dmity Pelevin’s arrival on Christmas Eve.
Olga said that she and Andre had been counting the days until Pelevin arrived.
“We were sad when he didn’t have a birthday and we were really worried that he wouldn’t be here in time for Christmas so this is great. He did it just in time. “
“Andre will be staying on the boat with his father tonight and he is very excited. He has never seen it inside the ship before, so he really wants to see how it all works. “
Pelevin had plans to take his son fishing for the summer and look for work.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
Dmitry Pelevin and Andre will spend the summer holidays fishing together.
