First Chinese Solo Circumnavigation

Chinese singlehander Guo Chuan, 48, completed a nonstop lap around the planet yesterday morning, thus becoming the first of his countrymen to do so. The benchmark he set, from Qingdao to Qingdao, was 137d, 20h, 1m, and will stand as a Class 40 record.

Sailing his 40-ft sloop named for it’s homeport, Qingdao, he arrived at the city’s Olympic Sailing Center to a huge crowd of well-wishers. According to news reports, he was so anxious to see his wife and two sons that he couldn’t wait for his boat to arrive at the dock. Instead, he leaped into the water and swam several yards to reach them.

"I’m so on the top of the world," said Chuan at the press conference. "It’s such an unbelievable moment. 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."

A scientist by profession, trained in aeronautics and astronautics, Chuan was introduced to sailing only 15 years ago. But since then he’s been on a fast track, participating in the 2006 Clipper Round the World Race, the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race, and the Mini Transat (transatlantic) in 2011. He was the first Chinese competitor in all three events. With such momentum we have to wonder what Chuan will tackle next.