Russian-Brazilian world expedition in support of BRICS nears completion

The international sailing expedition “Brotherhood 2025–2026” has returned to Brazil and is preparing to finish in the port of Salvador, from where its circumnavigation began almost a year ago. On 28 February, its two captains, Russian Sergey Shcherbakov and Brazilian Aleixo Belov, together with the crew, are completing a long journey dedicated to the 20th anniversary of BRICS. Captain Shcherbakov spoke to TV BRICS about the results of the unique yacht voyage through the southern and northern seas.

Photo: from the personal archive of Sergey Shcherbakov

The crew of the sailing vessel Fraternidade, which translates from Portuguese as “Brotherhood”, covered around 24,000 nautical miles (45,000 kilometres) via the northernmost point of Eurasia and the southernmost point of South America. Without icebreaker escort, they completed a circumnavigation via the Northern Sea Route. Honoured Master of Sports of the Russian Federation Sergey Shcherbakov has now sailed it for the third time, while the owner of the yacht Fraternidade, Aleixo Belov, did so for the first time.

“For Aleixo, the main goal was to sail through the Russian North. He has completed five round-the-world expeditions, three of them solo. […] On 7 August we reached Cape Chelyuskin, and before us no one had arrived here by yacht – it was the earliest-ever passage to the northernmost mainland point of the Earth,” Shcherbakov said.

While planning the expedition route, he carefully calculated the natural conditions, analysing ice conditions over the past 12 years. The weather also favoured the travellers. At Cape Chelyuskin they anchored briefly and went ashore, where they were met by border guards. Two new entries in Portuguese and Russian were added to the distinguished visitors’ book by both captains.

Photo: from the personal archive of Sergey Shcherbakov

Soon they were bound for Bennett Island, which they managed to observe using drones.

“The polar bear is the most dangerous predator. Humans are part of its food chain. I myself encountered a bear standing 3–4 metres at the shoulder; it can leap 15 metres – a one-tonne body flying 15 metres through the air. That is why we did not go ashore anywhere, we only observed by drone. We surveyed all of Bennett by drone. […] It is like a fairy tale. The mythical Sannikov Land. A person sets foot there once every 30 years,” Shcherbakov recalls.

The most striking moments of the voyage will be included in a film, for which Belov gathered materials. Shcherbakov has prepared a report on the Northern Sea Route and the condition of the North for the Russian Geographical Society.

“I had another task – to prepare recommendations for developing tourism along the Northern Sea Route for yachts, assessing the tourism potential, infrastructure and so on. I sent the methodological recommendations to the Russian Geographical Society,” the captain explained.

All expedition participants particularly noted the warm reception in the northern Russian cities where they made stops. After completing the Northern Sea Route, the Brazilian captain wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanking him for the well-organised passage system for yachts and the warm welcome. For example, in Tiksi, the northernmost Russian port, the programme for guests covered three pages.

“They took us everywhere: to museums, to local attractions, they organised a concert at the House of Culture and treated us to various dishes. We even played a football match – the Yakutia team against the Brazil team made up of our crew members. I played for the Brazilians, but as goalkeeper. Friendship won,” Shcherbakov said.

Following the example of the Brazilian captain, he intends to write to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to thank him for Brazil’s hospitality, where on 12 April 2025 the yacht Fraternidade was warmly seen off on her voyage and is now being welcomed just as warmly.

In addition to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of BRICS, the captains dedicated the circumnavigation to the 200th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Brazil, which will be marked in 2028.