World’s Quickest Trip Through Northern Sea Route
Chinese sailor Guo Chuan intends to make it world’s quickest Northern Sea Route trip from Murmansk to the Bering Strait in 14 days without engine power. His trimaran “Qingdao China" is docked in Jarfjord outside Kirkenes, Norway, as the last preparations for the Arctic voyage are handled. With support from local company Arctic Dive Resort, the expedition stays in Norwegian-Russian border area before it on Saturday heads towards Murmansk. Guo Chuan intends to make it non-stop through the Northern Sea Route quicker than any other before, barentsobserver.com reports. "The conditions look good, we do not expect any major encounters with ice", Guo Chuan said. "We want to make it from Murmansk to the Bering Strait in 14 days”, the experienced Chinese sailor said.
Chinese Lone Yachtsman Inmarset-sponsored
Chinese single-handed sailor Guo Chuan starts 2013 tackling strong winds & towering waves of the Southern Ocean’s Roaring Forties. The Chinese yachtsman is attempting to set a new world record for solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. No sailor has ever attempted this in a boat as small as his 40-foot (12-metre) vessel Qingdao. Guo cast off from Qingdao in Shandong province, eastern China, in November on the 21,600-nautical-mile journey, which is expected to take about 125 days.
Immarsat FleetBroadband Supports Solo Circumnavigator
Guo's 40-ft yacht will be equipped with a FleetBroadband terminal provided by Inmarsat which will help him send back video and pictures and assist him in plotting a safe course as he attempts to cover 21,600 nautical miles in 130 days. For his latest challenge, Guo, the first Chinese to cross the Atlantic single-handed, in a 21ft (6.5m) yacht, will depart from his home city of Qingdao, China, in November, to head east to Cape Horn, South America. Inmarsat Executive Chairman, Andrew Sukawaty, commented: "We first met Guo Chuan as MCM on Green Dragon during the previous Volvo Ocean Race. We were all impressed by his courage and tenacity.
COSCO Sponsors Chinese Sailor's Solo Circumnavigation
A Chinese sailor is planning a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in November, attempting to make the journey in a world-record time for a 40-foot sail boat. Guo will depart from Qingdao and then head eastwards for Cape Horn in Chile. After sailing past the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, it is hoped that he will pass through the Malacca Straits and finally return to Qingdao. The 47-year-old sailor is being trained in Europe. "Guo's circumnavigation will showcase the ambition, perseverance and pioneering spirit of the Chinese people. We are happy to sponsor him as he is the pride of China," said Wei Jiafu, COSCO president.
