Chinese Sailor Plans Record-breaking World 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 Chuan will aim to travel 21,600 nautical miles in 130 days while piloting "Class 40" vessel "Qingdao," named after the coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, according to a spokesman with the China Ocean Shipping Corporation (COSCO), the sponsor of the record attempt.

　　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, said the spokesman.

　　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.

　　After dreaming of becoming a scientist as a child, Guo, found a new direction in his life at the age of 33 when he first boarded a 40-foot keelboat in Hong Kong.

　　Now a professional sailor, Guo became the first Olympic torchbearer to pass  the torch by sailboat in 2008. Later, he became the first Chinese to complete the renowned VOLVO Ocean Race. In 2011, he successfully navigated the Atlantic Ocean single-handed in a mini yacht.