An 80-year-old Bulgarian sailor finally came home on May 17, after sailing around the world alone for almost two years.
Vasil Kurtev was greeted by friends and fans at the Black Sea port of Varna. He climbed off the boat onto the pier where he was handed bouquets of flowers.
“I love you all! I made my yearlong dream come true. Now I feel much younger,” were his first words.
He embarked on the trip on Aug. 5, 2015, and traveled 25,000 miles over 652 days.
Kurtev is one of the oldest sailors to circle the globe. On Jan. 22, Kurtev turned 80 on board his yacht Odessos.
Upon his return, he was given a special honor by the mayor.
Kurtev is a former dentist. He had already accomplished three Trans-Atlantic solo journeys. But given his age this was by far the most challenging.
