Captain Dmytro Biriukovych is The Ukrainian Observer's Man of the
Year.

http://www.ukraine-observer.com/free...e6f3bf08521f6a

His selection was made in early December at a meeting between the
publisher, editor-in-chief, assistant editors and others who work
regularly in each month's production of the UO.

Captain Biriukovych was notified shortly thereafter by SailMail
(SailMail Association - "Email Services for Yachts via Marine HF SSB
Radio") at his vessel, the Schooner Bat'kivshchyna's then current
location at Opua, North Island, New Zealand. The Captain was able to
and did express his acknowledgement and gratitude at the selection and
of his award. Some of his comments are reported in an e-mail/SailMail
interview conducted with him in this article.

All communications with the Captain since the award have been by
SailMail or through messages from returning seamen from the vessel.
The vessel Bat'kivshchyna as of this writing has moved to the other
side of North Island and is now offshore at Auckland, NZ.
Communication by radiophone had not been successfully achieved at the
time of this issue. E-mail correspondence provides some hope that a
formal ceremony for the Captain where the Man of the Year Award can be
presented and can take place in February or March in Australia at a
meeting and in a ceremony hosted by the Australian Federation of
Ukrainian Organizations (AFUA).

The Captain is Man of the Year

Why the Captain?

Well, this could be a lifetime achievement type award. And, were it
for the period of existence of Ukraine as an independent and sovereign
nation, we at the UO believe Dmytro Biriukovych would still be a
leading candidate. The year 2003, however, just happens to be the
first year after 4 years as a magazine (3 years in its print version)
and we have been close to and familiar with the Captain's activities
during the whole period of our existence. We have been exposed to his
determination, his pride, his capabilities and somewhat to his thought
processes with respect to his aims for himself and for his country
Ukraine. And on one occasion early in the year 2003 we presented his
case and represented his cause in a troubling matter concerning the
U.S. Embassy in Ukraine [see The Arrogance of Conceit: American Consul
General's Office Ukraine, #33/4, April 2003]. So we at the UO will
consider when some remember our closeness to the Captain personally in
the selection process. But, we cannot yield in our pride in our
selection.

Why the Captain? Because he is truly a Ukrainian patriot.

Love of his country runs through his conversations and clearly lies
deep in his soul; his loyalty to Ukraine seems to have no bounds. This
in spite of many setbacks to his cause, and the lack of support from
his country. He zealously proclaims, "Ukraine is not Russia!"- this
long before a book by that title. And this message - Ukraine is not
Russia - has sailed forth with him through thousands of miles of sea
and has been proclaimed before thousands on now most of the
continents. These: love, loyalty and zealousness in the representation
of one's country are the very definition of a patriot. And sacrifice
too.

Why the Captain? His perseverance - the year 2003.

For the Captain the year 2003 began in extremis. He and his ship
Bat'kivshchyna were "in irons" (to use the sailing term). During the
year, after finally setting sail in May from Long Beach, California
USA, he and his ship and small crew have sailed thousands of miles of
the Pacific. They have visited Hawaii and several Pacific Islands with
romantic sounding names, but little else. Finally in late October of
the year they arrive in New Zealand. Plans are to leave shortly after
the New Year for Australia where the Captain will continue his
message, hopefully there with the help and through local Ukrainian
organizations. As of now, again he is in irons. The crew is down to
the Captain, wife Nina, First Mate Olexandr Kostiukov and one other
crewmember. His cadets who were so helpful have now returned to
complete their academic courses at the Kyiv Maritime Academy. So he
looks for crew and finances. He waits as at the year's beginning. He
perseveres. To remember in paraphrase the words of Faulkner... he will
prevail.

Why the Captain? His "Discover Ukraine" expedition.

It began years ago. It now continues as the Captain lives.

The Story of Discover Ukraine: A Sea Captain and A Mission (excerpts
from an article and interview with Dmytro Biriukovych, UO, April 2003)

Captain Dmytro Biriukovych (Dimitri or Dima to friends) was born in
Kyiv in 1937 near the banks of the Dnieper River. He was the youngest
of three brothers whose shared common interest and passion was
sailing. In Soviet times the brothers had to confine their sailing
experiences to short trips on the Dnieper. The coming of perestroika
and then independence led to new sailing ventures for which Dimitri
was well prepared. In 1967 he and his brothers were founding members
of The Kyiv Cruiser Yacht Club. This was the first private yacht club
in the former Soviet Union. With a club house, A-frame cabins for
members and austere but more than adequate marina and dockage, marine
radio station and other amenities, the club, while a bit less than one
might find in Miami or a Caribbean or Aegean Sea Rockefeller resort,
is nonetheless impressive. And, the facilities were all basically
built through the hard work ("sweat equity") of the members without
any financing from anyone. In addition, Dimitri had in the 60s begun
experimenting with ferro-cement construction techniques as applied to
boat construction. The end result of Dimitri's efforts with the yacht
club, ferro-cement boat building and the coming of independence is
that even prior to receipt of the invitation to the OPSAIL 2000 Tall
Ships Festival that had Dimitri and his Ukrainian crew landfall in New
York Harbour on American Independence Day July 4, 2000 he had logged
over tens of thousands of sailing miles and visited such countries as
Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, Italy and Israel. Those various voyages
were the beginning of the Captain's "Discover Ukraine" mission as he
was already promoting his country through educational materials, gifts
and handouts and was busy entertaining visitors in all ports with his
knowledge, insights and clear love for Ukraine. Just what is "Discover
Ukraine"? Put simply the Captain wants to answer a few questions
frequently put to him. What country is that blue and yellow flag from?
Ukraine, where's that? Isn't that Russia? And in a word or two: the
Captain wants the world to know that Ukraine is a separate,
independent country; that it is a country with 50 million good,
well-educated, intelligent, hard working people; that Ukraine has a
long and storied history; that it has a rich and varied culture; and
that Ukraine would be a nice place for others to visit and, just
maybe, invest.

Dimitri graduated from the Kyiv Civil Engineering Institute in 1959.
He received his MA degree specializing in building materials and
worked in several design institutes during the Soviet years. In 1982
he received his doctorate from Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. He is the
author of over 100 scientific articles and has written six books
regarding various building materials and construction techniques. He
wrote the book "Rules of Building Ferro-Cement Yachts" and published
it in 1982.

The Captain and the Bat'kivshchyna left Kyiv on April 7, 2000. The
yacht is now, two and a half years later, docked at a place near Los
Angeles, California called Dana Point. The Captain is home for a month
before returning to the Bat'kivshchyna. When he returns to California
he will begin preparation for continuing his voyage. Next is a stop in
Hawaii on the way to New Zealand. While uncertain of timing, plans are
to continue on this round-the-world voyage and maybe have the
Bat'kivshchyna back in homeport by the year 2005.

(Continuing from April UO issue, interview portion excerpts) -

UO: Captain, tell us of your efforts in promoting Ukraine...about your
OPSAIL 2000 venture to America on the Bat'kivshchyna.

Captain: We are in the U.S. and felt the success of our being there.
For thousands of American citizens Ukraine is an unknown country. We
promote our country by several methods. One of them is our
participation in tall ships festivals. Many people visit us and the
Ukrainian flag, especially this year and the last year it was only
maybe one, two foreign vessels. That's why we get attention.

UO: You call your project "Discover Ukraine". Can you tell why it's
called by that name?

Captain: Yes, it's because our program was not only participation but
an exposition... show music, give souvenirs, private communications,
explanation...this year we showed, spent time in colleges, lectured to
students. You can see here in this student newspaper (Captain
pointing) this information. We covered this year more than 9000 miles
not only from the United States but also in the Caribbean and we
brought information about Ukraine. It was Cuba, it was Cayman Islands,
Jamaica, it was Aruba and Corzon (Curacao). Everywhere information
about Ukraine was in magazines and newspapers. Our visit to Cuba was
devoted to bringing gifts to the children (Ukraine Chernobyl victims)
who had been given treatment there by Cuba's doctors. You can
understand that we have no money, we have no sponsors...but we tried
to find the ways to approach our aims...we ask Ukrainian diaspora in
Florida and they brought a lot of things. We prepared a special
gift... it was a replica of Kozaka Chayka (Cossack seagull), it's our
ancient national symbol. (The Captain continues and tells of sailing
into Hemmingway Marina, meeting many American yachts, visiting with
the Ukrainian Ambassador to Cuba, visiting the hospital with gifts for
the children and continuing after three days on to the Cayman Islands.
He mentioned the short but pleasant stay in Cuba as related to dockage
fees charged by the Cuban government totalling $3,300. At no other
port in the year 2000 sail through the present had anyone charged
dockage. The voyage continued for a 10 day stay in the Cayman's where
again there was much newspaper and media coverage before sailing into
Montego Bay Jamaica where they were showered with more gifts and
received great coverage in a festival, then onto Aruba, Curacao, more
festivals and coverage and back to Jamaica. Approximately three weeks
were spent with friendliness and welcome in this portion of the trip.
The Captain's daughter Katya, son-in-law Roy and grandson Philip were
aboard during this part of the journey. Nina, the Captain's wife, is
always a member of the crew and may now, through this voyage and
others to Spain and Israel in prior years, be one of the most
travelled of native Ukrainian women of her era.)

UO: Captain, we understand that you spent quite a lot of time in the
St. Petersburg, Florida area. Also we're aware that there is a large
and active Ukrainian-American community in that area. Tell of us your
time there and of your experiences with the Ukrainian community.

Captain: I would to state, "Thank you very much" to the organizers of
our wintering in Florida. It's very important because of their
understanding of our needs. The first is the administrators of the
Port of St. Petersburg...and yes there are many Ukrainians but I would
hope not to explain only the Ukrainian community. There are two senses
to this. The first, Ukrainians know about Ukraine but Americans don't
know. This is why our communications with Americans is more useful for
our mission...you understand. Of course, the gifts of the Ukrainian
community. But more communication was with the port authorities...the
visit with the University of South Florida...it was very pleasant, it
was very comfortable, it was very informative for
us...Ukrainian-Americans visited us sometimes and several times but
all our life was very close with American administration, with
American people. There were many visitors, many interesting meetings.
(The Captain goes on diverted to remembering and recounting successes
in the OPSAIL 2000 arrival in New York. He talks of the good
advertising produced for Ukraine in New York, the newspaper coverage,
a film made, he shows us materials and points us to a map showing the
course of the voyage from Ukraine across the Atlantic via the Dnieper,
the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean on to Norfolk, Virginia and then
on to New York. Further, post New York the schooner sailed north to
Norwich, Connecticut and back. He takes us through the Great Lakes via
the Eire Canal, down the Mississippi, visits in the various cities
along the way to New Orleans. We've previously seen correspondence,
news clippings and photos of the Captain with the Mayor of Chicago,
Senator Dodd of Connecticut and so forth. The Captain seems to have a
particular fondness for the time spent in Connecticut. He said they
treated the crew there like a president, greeted them with a salute.
The "Government of Connecticut" spent 3 days on board discussing
Ukraine. And, very importantly, they unexpectedly donated a welcomed
$7,000. A sum critical at that point. And just as critically they
provided a layover and substantial assistance in making necessary
repairs and performing deferred maintenance so that the Bat'kivshchyna
was prepared to continue on in 2001.)

UO: Tell us about the financial support you received as you began
OPSAIL 2000. Did you receive any support from the Ukrainian
government?

Captain: Absolute... absolute... they don't know. I sent a special
letter for Kravchuk... in February...from St. Petersburg I came here.
I explain, I need meat, I don't ask your advice, I don't ask you
nothing (voice rising)... you are member of parliament, you're father
of our Independence... nothing... there were several meetings but
nobody wants to know about it.

UO: Are you now doing any follow up with the Ukrainian government to
try to get any additional support?

Captain: You know it's like this wall...I don't know who can do
it...you know it's very hard to understand. To whom must I call...to
whom talk? I sent Kravchuk...he's our member of parliament I spent
many additions (to the boat), it's reported for this year...

UO: Just no response?

Captain: No... no. That's why I think that our government doesn't
understand the importance of this sojourn. But, I do it not for
government; I do it for my country. That's why it's not so important
if they fail me. I can try a lot of energy for communicate with
government, but with no results.

UO: Captain, prior to OPSAIL you had taken a number of trips. Just
when did your promote Ukraine program begin?

Captain: We started to promote Ukraine in 1995. Each step was done
with our money. I'm not rich guy. I could build the ships, but you
know it's only God's happens. That's why I could do only until we
found Roy Kellogg... (tape problem)... and a few guys more. We spent a
lot of energy looking for money...no answer.

UO: What caused you to have this idea of Discover Ukraine? What was
your inspiration?

Captain: This idea... this idea was born after questions: "Where are
you from?"; "Who did this flag?"; "Russia?" "No Russia, it's Ukraine!
Moscow was built by Kyiv Rus," I told them. But, it was that questions
were normal when we visited all ports. And Israel too. I did not think
so because there are a lot of people, many people departed for there.
But, they who departed before our independence that is true but they
only remember Soviet Union. They think like Soviet Republic. But about
situation here... "What is your political structure?" "Have you a
president?"; "Have you a parliament?"; "Where is Ukraine, in Asia?
Maybe Siberia?" "Fifty million? Oh no?" It was push to organize
exposition. We thought a fund would help us. But, it did not
happen...so. We found money for private business...visitors on the
Pochayna (the other schooner built and owned by the Captain) and
Bat'kivshchyna. There is one sponsor...he is from Israel. He help us
really... because he like sailing and, but he could not find one
hryvnia for us. But maybe it's good because I'm independent guy. I can
do the things... come and give me $20. and they will demand more. But
I don't understand rich guys who don't want promote themselves in
my... you understand?

UO: You've approached wealthier people in Ukraine and have not found
any financial interests or help?

Captain: You know around the people is Krachuk too. He is businessman
the first time and political activities only help the
business...that's why. Why...? Why, he can't understand? I've been
around his assistants and they don't...give...I understand, it's
Soviet system...many assistants and a leader without information. You
understand, absolutely...my English. I try...I think so...but it
doesn't matter. We are doing our expedition...have results...and I'm
very proud that we could do this. (End of March, 2003 interview as
appeared in UO, April 2003).

Personal recollections of the Captain (from Latitudes and Attitudes,
by Glen Willard, UO, April 2000)

....I've known Dimitri for some four years now. The first meeting was
on the deck of the Bat'kivshchyna. My intention that day was simply to
follow up on what had been an invitation to go for a boating
afternoon. ...I wasn't expecting a 90-foot, 7 or 8 sail schooner
(thought I'd ordered up a 24-27 foot single masted sloop).

No sooner was I aboard than I met Dimitri. Energetic, effervesant, "a
can't help but like when you meet" kind of guy. And it seems that I
was almost immediately in a cabin below, looking at photos of voyages
to Spain and Israel and hearing of the new planned OPSAIL 2000
venture. And being told of "Discover Ukraine".

Seems Dimitri might have been looking for converts... and for help,
financial and otherwise. Well, Dimitri had a convert but the only
help, if that it can be called, was attending a few meetings and
sympathy at his plight. Well the next year plus I saw or heard of many
more sympathetic meetings and conversations. I also saw the
scepticism. The dreams were the Captain's and truly with him were the
few: wife Nina, a truly wonderful person, his family and maybe some at
the yacht club. And, of course there were a lot of limp-handed
well-wishers like me.

Well, the man and his dream left Kyiv on April 7, 2000. A Ukrainian
crew that I surmise was enthusiastic, at least at launch; an ill
equipped vessel, on an under-funded expedition (a gross
understatement), a convergence of diverse facts that should have
predicated disaster. And, not to disappoint, it did. But, despite the
travails (and the toils and troubles were that and more), the Captain
and full crew made it into Norfolk, Virginia, not lost as had been
thought, but on course and time for destiny in New York Harbour for
America's Fourth of July celebration. And they became the most
celebrated of the tall ships at the event. All for the Captain's
Ukraine and a dream...

SailMail Interview with Captain Biriukovych (December 24-25, 2003)

The following are responses to questions sent to Captain and Nina
Biriukovych on December 24th. A brief question or explanation is
inserted at the end of each response.

Tall Ship events in Spain, "Ferrol-99"; and Opsail-2000. I have seen
huge interest of visitors for our exhibition and to Ukrainian flag.
After OpSail-2000 "The windows from America"(The Ukrainian Branch of
"The included: "Bat'kivshchyna had brought a huge advertisement for
Ukraine" - re most interesting parts or times of your voyage.

Betrayal of friends, their incomprehension of the idea. - re greatest
problems encountered?

The letters from visitors (during 2000,01,02 03), which are coming
just now with expressions like:- "You have done so much with so
little".- "Everybody remembers you and are excited by yourmission",-
We love your spirit etc.- From the press: "Bat'kivshchyna is an icon
of Independent Ukraine" "Bat'kivshchyna is Goodwill ambassador from
Ukraine".- In N.Z. we were visited by the Honorable Brian Donnelly the
member of N.Z. Parliament. He spent 2.5 hours aboard. His profession
is a teacher. He said; "I did not know about Ukraine" It proves
important of our Job. This is my satisfaction.- all re his
satisfactions with the voyage.

The greatest disappointments are questions of visitors: "You are doing
a very important work for Ukraine." Does the Ukrainian Government
sponsor or otherwise help you?". It is very hard to explain [the lack
of government acknowledgment or assistance] something...

There were many sailing problems: storms and shallows, engine and
electricity, sails and hull. The main problems have been electrical. I
have no professional crew. I cannot pay them. But more difficult is
without agent in a port destination (someone to take part in events)
who usually prepares the way for the arrival of vessels. - re sailing
and other problems encountered.

There are no hindrances or help. They [just] don't pay attention. Only
the Tax Department sent letters with questions how I have got the
vessel and two times my accommodation [home in Kyiv] was robbed. I
tried to attract attention for "Discover Ukraine" of Leonid Kravchuk
after publication in newspaper "Moskovski Komsomolets" (February
7-14,2001) "Let's make Ukraine known". It was information about new
organization for promotion of Ukraine. The first Ukrainian President
L. Kravchuk became the head of the Mission: "Ukraine is well known". I
sent letter and ask to meet. I guaranteed, not ask anything. Advice
only. His assistances did not give him my letter. Leonid Kravchuk is
very wise person. But he has surrounded by a strong wall of his
"assistants". So is system. Our job is understood only overseas. The
Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, Cuba, Australia, Consulates in New
York, Chicago, etc. know about "Discover Ukraine" expedition and
successes of it. But nobody reported to Kyiv and suggests support. "We
cannot support you because it is private initiative" is their
response. They are waiting the command. They forget that it is their
obligation. But we do it not for Government but for Ukraine. In winter
2001 I asked the Kyiv City Counsel to give flag of Kyiv for the
expedition to use it in Chicago (sister city of Kyiv) during our visit
to celebrate the 12 anniversary of our independence. "It is very
expensive." the head of foreign department answered - re help and/or
hindrances from Ukraine's government.

Finally, the Captain capsules some of his own thoughts when ask to
express what further he would say: We are very proud that we could
help Ukraine, not by promotion only.

In 2000 we cooperated with CCRF (American children Chernobyl Relief
Fund) and had got money for buy and install medical equipment in
Children Hospital in Rivne. We have thanks letter from administration
of this hospital.

In 2001 have done the same for cardiological center of Amoco in Kyiv.

In 2002 Bat'kivshchyna visited the camp "Tarara" in Cuba where
Ukrainian children received treatment after the Chernobyl disaster and
we brought gifts, sweets, clothes, etc. Ukraine Ambassador Victor
Pashchuk and Ukraine staff and kids could not believe that it was done
by private initiative and appreciated this.

In 2003 two students of Kyiv Maritime Academy spent their practical
semester on the sailing vessel Bat'kivshchyna [Viacheslav Voiko and
Olexander Shishkov] during 7 months. It is international system for in
education for future captains. Ukrainian Government could not do it.
We had found sponsor to pay tickets, food. They both seem genuinely
appreciative of the learning experienced and knowledge gained.

The year 2003 is over. 2004 is coming. Nina and I send to readers and
staff of UO best wishes. We appreciate great your cooperation.

In the name of Ukraine. God bless the Ukrainian State.

(Compiled by staff of UO)

Doc Kozzak
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