Bulgarian long-sailing captain Svetlozar Tanev sets off on solo around-the-world voyage

70-year-old Captain Tenev is a legend in Bulgarian sailing with many records

published on 10/23/25 9:44 AM

70-year-old Bulgarian sailing captain Svetlozar Tenev

Photo: Pavel Penev

Long-distance sailing captain Svetlozar Tenev has set off from the port city of Varna on Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast on a circumnavigation of the world.

His route will begin in Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), where the man will set off accompanied by a colleague. Then he will sail alone to Cape Good Hope, New Zealand's Stewart Island and the formidable Cape Horn, to arrive back in Gran Canaria.

If he succeeds, Svetlozar Tenev will be the first Bulgarian to circumnavigate the world via these three southernmost points, reports Radio Varna.

The voyage is 26,000 miles and will take 6 to 8 months.

70-year-old Captain Tenev is a legend in Bulgarian sailing with many records. In 1986, with the yacht "Bulcon Star", which is now raised on a pedestal in the area of the Sea Station - Varna, he participated in the transatlantic regatta for two-member crews and together with Vasil Popov took first place in his class. At that time, a record was set for crossing the Atlantic by a two-man crew, which was not improved for 14 years. Among his greatest sporting achievements are 5 participations in the Aegean Rally Regatta, where he has won 29 cups.

When asked what prompted him to take on the new challenge, Tenev says: “The fulfillment of a childhood dream and the more free time that I now have.”

He shares that the idea to travel the world originated in his early years: “Even in childhood, when all boys dream of becoming sailors, of becoming doctors, of becoming astronauts - ever since.”

Regarding his fears before sailing, Tenev does not hide that he worries most not for himself, but for the boat: “When I am at sea, I am most afraid for the boat, whether it will last, and not so much for me. Because it is the only thing that can bring me back to shore alive and well.”

Edited by Ivo Ivanov
English publication: R. Petkova

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