It was in the mid-19th century on the coast of the Sea of Japan — the inner sea of the Pacific Ocean – that the city of Vladivostok was founded. Initially a military outpost, the port was located 9,000 kilometres from the capital of the Russian Empire and was of great strategic importance — both military and trade-wise. At the start of the 20th century when the world was being torn apart by bloody wars the city’s role in defending the Eastern borders of the country grew, resulting in the construction of a fortress designed to hold off enemies by both land and sea with the royal government sparing no expense or resource. With a century having past, the Vladivostok Fortress remains the greatest achievement of Russian naval fortification and a sight tourists from all over the world travel to see.
It was after seeing yachtsmen out training that Dmitry Polishchuk decided to give sailing a shot himself. Years later he is a many-time Russian RSX class windsurfing champion, participant of the 2012 Olympic Games in London and winner of the 2013 Spanish Windsurfing Cup. With over 15 years of experience Dmitry ranks as one of the top three fastest windsurfers in the world.
The Komi Republic’s Udorsky District looks like a place out of a fantasy novel. Settlements in the area are few and far between, hidden throughout the impressive expanses of the taiga, where, according to local beliefs, traces of a people that mysteriously disappeared can be found. The area is filled with a rich history full of legends and traditions, breathtaking natural sights and serves as a huge attraction for tourists with its abundance of mushrooms, berries, fish and game. During his travels throughout the Komi Republic’s Udorsky District, RTG TV’s Stanislav Salnikov visited the Mezen River, which local residents poetically refer to as the «Necklace of Udora».