A SOLO sailing adventurer is about to embark on his quest to become the first person to single-handedly travel along Russia's Northern Sea Route.

Adrian Flanagan is now well on his way to becoming the first solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe via the Russian arctic.

The Daily Echo revealed how oil billionaire and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, who is also governor of the Russian far east region of Chukotka, stepped in to ensure that Adrian received the permits needed to travel along the restricted Northern Sea Route.

The 46-year-old began his epic voyage in Hamble in October 2005. Yesterday, he reached Provideniya in Chukotka and was given clearance to proceed along the Northern Sea Route in his boat, Barrabas.

Adrian expects to return to England at the end of August.