COSCO Sponsors Chinese Sailor's Solo Circumnavigation

A solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, is sponsored by China Ocean Shipping Corporation (COSCO)

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 Chuan will aim to travel 21,600 nautical miles in 130 days while piloting the "Class 40" sailboat "Qingdao," named after the coastal city in east China's Shandong Province,

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.