ADVENTURER Adrian Flanagan has been forced to halt his attempt to single-handedly sail around the world partly because of Russian red tape.

The 45-year-old from Ludgershall will now wait until next summer to attempt the final phase of the Alpha Global Expedition, to become the first to circumnavigate his way around the globe via the polar regions.

Last month Flanagan had been forced to dock in the town of Nome on Alaska's west coast to make repairs to his engine and wait for clearance from the Russian authorities.

That approval to allow him to attempt the treachorous journey through the Russian Arctic without an ice-pilot, interpreter or escort, delays made the crossing impossible because ice was already growing on the route.

The Russian Arctic has never before been sailed single-handed and only five fully crewed yachts have made the passage.

But a defiant Mr Flanagan said: "My intention is to return in June 2007, in good time to make preparations.

"Sometimes it is harder to make the decision not to press on. I have to be pragmatic. There is little merit in taking unnecessary risks."

It has now been almost a year since Flanagan set sail from Hamble Point Marina on October 28 in his 38-ft stainless steel sloop Barrabas.

He had to abandon the 'non-stop' part of his trek when he had to go ashore in Hawaii after suffering severe damage to his mast.

During the voyage, he has become only the 15th sailor to make a single-handed westabout rounding of Cape Horn against prevailing winds and currents.

He has also recorded the first single-handed, non-stop and unassisted passage between the UK and Hawaii when he arrived at Honolulu's Waikiki Yacht Club on May 7 after 18,000 miles.

He said the trip had taken its strain on both body and mind. He has dislocated both his wrists and suffered a near dislocation of his right shoulder and he narrowly missed hitting hurricane force winds at Cape Horn.

Early during the expedition, Flanagan was washed overboard in severe conditions without his lifeline attached to the boat. At the time he said: "I was certain that was the end. A wave placed me back on the boat. If miracles do happen, then that wave certainly qualifies."

Flanagan was inspired to make his circumnavigation after reading accounts of the epic voyages of Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Chay Blyth while still a schoolboy.

Part of the money raised from the trip will go towards the Oxford Children's Hospital (CHOX) appeal