Qingdao skipper achieves historic debut in Vendee Globe
Xu Jingkun from Qingdao is the first Chinese captain to complete the event and is creating a new chapter in the history of Chinese navigation. [Photo/Guanhai News]
On Feb 18 (French time), the "one-armed skipper" Xu Jingkun from Qingdao arrived at the port of Lorient, France. By crossing the finish line of the 2024-2025 Vendee Globe solo non-stop round-the-world sailing race, he has become the first Chinese captain to complete the event.
Dubbed the "Mount Everest of the Seas," the Vendee Globe sailing race is held every four years and is recognized as one of the most prestigious, challenging, and rigorous events in the global sports community. As of 2024, only 84 captains worldwide have successfully conquered this challenge. The race requires participants to sail alone, uninterrupted, without stopping or external assistance, covering over 45,000 kilometers around the globe, crossing four continents and three oceans.
This year's Vendee Globe race had a total of 40 captains, with seven stopping early for reasons such as damage to their boats. Facing extreme weather conditions and the endless expanse of the ocean, Xu finished the race in 30th place.
On the official website of the Vendee Globe sailing race, Xu is described in his personal profile as "one of China's top sailors" and "as a sailing coach, he has passed on his passion for sailing to many Chinese people."
At the age of 12, Xu lost his left hand in an accident. In 2005, he joined the Chinese national team and began his sailing journey. He has taken on many challenges: solo sailing around the seas of China, driving the Mini Transat 6.50 around the world.
Xu has stood on almost every podium in Chinese competitions, and in 2008, he participated in the Beijing Paralympic Games. Nearly a decade later, he set a Chinese record at the World Championships. Due to his achievements, he has been named Chinese Person of the Year multiple times.
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