Immarsat FleetBroadband Supports Solo Circumnavigator

Chinese sailor Guo Chuan will attempt to set a new world record by circumnavigating the globe single-handed - with support from Inmarsat

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. Immarsat is the natural partner to support his record attempt and we wish Guo and the Chinese people every success."

If successful, Guo will set a new record for circumnavigation in a 40-ft yacht, which is much smaller than those used by previous world record breakers including Dame Ellen MacArthur and Francis Joyon.