After seven months in Bermuda the Russian Bondarenko family are expected to set sail tomorrow, one day later than expected, heading south towards the Caribbean.

They have been waiting for a clear ?weather window? to set out either for their new home in Nova Scotia, Canada or to the south.

The family expected to sail by today, after Vitaly Bondarenko met with Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton last week and agreed on January 17 as the date by which they would be sailing onward.

But following further stormy weather which crossed the Island at the weekend, the family of four are remaining one extra day in order to pick up improving conditions to the south of the Island, which should assist them to reach the Caribbean safely.

The Bondarenkos were originally given extra time to remain in Bermuda because of a lengthy immigration process to gain the right to start a new life in Canada.

Since last summer the family has been anchored in St. George?s harbour onboard their 37ft long yacht the . They were granted extended permission to stay in Bermuda to shelter during the hurricane season.

The family, who have lived on a number of successive yachts during a 14-year odyssey sailing around the world, are now expected to sail south tomorrow to see out the remainder of the winter in the Caribbean before heading north in May to their new home in Nova Scotia. Weather to the south of Bermuda is now favourable, with an area of high pressure presenting settled conditions.