Friday, April 5, 2013

Volvo Ocean Race - Guo Chuan: On top of the world

Guo Chuan, who circumnavigated the globe as a Volvo Ocean Race MCM in 2008-09, was celebrating at home on Friday after becoming the first Chinese to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world.

Guo sailed his Class 40 boat alone for more than 21,600 miles. Exhausted, touched and very proud, the 48-year-old Chinese hero jumped in the water in Qingdao marina to swim towards his wife and two kids.

“I’m so on the top of the world,” said an emotional Guo as he set foot on land after 137 days, 20 hours, 1 minute and 57 seconds at sea.

The former Green Dragon MCM, who started sailing 15 years ago, left Qingdao on November 18, 2012 and came back to his home town this Friday morning.

“It’s such an unbelievable moment," he said. "137 days ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I could have a moment like this. It is a moment that could only happen in a dream.

“I want to show my most profound gratitude to my family, my sponsors and my support team,” he added. “I’d also like to thank the winds that came all the way with me, for their help to propel the boat back home but not for the troubles they made.”

The result of Guo Chuan’s round the world challenge will be sent to the WSSRC for confirmation. If approved, the announcement will be made mid-April and he will be named record holder of Class 40 circumnavigation.

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