After 25 days' sailing on sea, Qingdao China finally arrived inher home town Qingdao, the port city with enchanting sea view and known as the sailing capital of China.
Local media and fans waited long for Qingdao China’s arrival since early morning. Around 10am, the super trimaran hove in sight. Chinese skipper GuoChuan climbed up to the top of the mast. He lit the fireworks and waved hands to people cheering for him in dinghies and on the land. A few meters shy of the pontoon, someone prepared a special celebration for Guo. He was thrown into the water by a hefty shove and had to swim back onto the trimaran.
Amid crowds of people and media, Guo Chuan and his five elite crew,Jochen Krauth (French), Sergei Nizovtsev (Russian), Boris Herrmann (German),Quentin Monegier (French) and Tim Bastian Frank (German, media crew) took the stage.
Departing from Murmansk on September 3, Qingdao China crossed the start line at 13.41 UTC and started the attempt to challenge the first non-stop sailing world record across Arctic Ocean North East Passage. It took her only 13 days to complete the 3240nm voyage and set a new world record before crossing the finish line on the Bering Straits at 16.45 UTC September 15.
When Guo Chuan and his crew arrived at Qingdao, they received the warmest welcome from local people. Red carpet under foot, garlands around neck,and a traditional Chinese celebration team beating gongs and sounding drums next to the stage, they are treated by Qingdao as heroes.
Guo spoke in joy and excitement on the stage.“It’s been long for me to see so many people and it is such a good feeling to be at home. I’d like to express my most profound gratitude to my family, my sponsors and my team.”
“Today is Chinese Mid-autumn Festival, I wish we can all live in peace and enjoy life with our beloved. Wish all my crew feel at home and enjoy the Chinese Mid-autumn Festival. And wish everyone a happy family reunion.”
Then is the sweet moment for celebration. Guo shared a super-big mooncake whose diameter is about one meter, with his crew, local government representatives, sponsor delegates, his family, friends and supporters together.
Qingdao China will stay at the pontoon for about three weeks for examination and repair work. Guo Chuan is going to sail her to start the “maritime silk road” voyage around mid-october.
Images : Guo Chuan Sailing
From Jessie Zhou
