Bulgarian sailor Pavlin Nadvorni completes solo round-the-world voyagе

On May 27, Bulgarian sailor Pavlin Nadvorni was ceremonially welcomed at the Port of Varna. Boats from sailing clubs joined the celebration and escorted Espresso Martini as it docked, BTA reports.

Nadvorni thanked those gathered for the welcome. Accompanying him was Nikolay Dzhambazov, the previous Bulgarian sailor to round Cape Horn solo.

“It is a great honor for me, in these times when there is a lack of inspiration and sparks of motivation, that I managed to convince the first person who accomplished this to be here. I thank him for doing everything possible, despite his age and health condition, to join us today, because we need continuity. I am very happy that there are now two of us. Before departing from Tsarevo, Koko gave me a few final pieces of advice, and we maintained constant contact throughout the voyage,” the sailor said.

He added that, alongside his family - who have always been his greatest supporters - Dzhambazov is the only person who truly understands what such a lonely voyage entails. He was also the first person Nadvorni spoke to during his most difficult moment, when he was forced to withdraw and leave the race.

Nikolay Dzhambazov shared his joy that Nadvorni had listened to his advice. According to him, this was the first true ocean voyage by a Bulgarian, and the achievement is unparalleled. Such a journey requires tremendous willpower, knowledge, skills, and capable hands, the veteran captain added.

Nadvorni departed from La Coruña, Spain, on October 21, 2023, as a participant in the prestigious solo sailing regatta Global Solo Challenge.

On February 13, 2024, he was forced to withdraw in New Zealand due to an injury and the need for medical treatment and recovery. By then, he had already passed the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Leeuwin.

The voyage resumed on January 12, 2026, from Lyttelton, New Zealand, and on February 21, 2026, he successfully rounded the dangerous Cape Horn.

In the final stage of the journey, the Varna sailor faced yet another serious challenge. Near Tarifa, his yacht was attacked by orcas, which damaged the vessel’s rudder. Despite the damage, he managed to regain control and continue toward the successful completion of his round-the-world voyage.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov