MORE Russian red tape has delayed intrepid sailor Adrian Flanagan's record breaking bid to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe via the polar regions.

The 46 year-old father of two had been due to set off yesterday from Alaska to complete the Alpha Global Expedition which started in Hamble in October 2005.

In his latest dispatch Adrian says: "Barrabas (his 40 ft stainless sloop) is ready and I am ready."

But he is waiting for two deliveries - the final authorisation letter from the Russian authorities and some replacement instruments which have been ordered from California.

Adrian, who is hoping to set off today, said: "Both items were supposed to be here last week.

"The fuel tanks are full as are the 108 20-litre jerry cans.

"I have put off loading the jerry cans until the instruments and letter arrive."

It was Russian red tape that forced Adrian to abandon his quest until this summer. But now the authorities have given him the go ahead although he is wating for the final piece of paper.

If the mission is completed Barrabas will become the first flagged British yacht to sail Russia's Arctic coast and Adrian to achieve this feat single-handed.

Adrian is anxious to get under sail because the navigable window in the high Arctic is very short.