Epic Atlantic feat for Paralympian Xu Jingkun
Xu Jingkun has become the first Chinese sailor to complete the Route du Rhum solo race, finishing the run across the Atlantic in just over 16 days.
The 33-year-old sailed into Guadeloupe in 29th place in his category, after a journey that attracted a huge following across China, which the Paralympian said made the loneliness of the sea not lonely at all.
Xu said his aims extended beyond the race itself, with inspiring others and gaining experience for a world solo voyage among the forces driving him to finish.
“Although sailing alone, I am not lonely at all. I have received a lot of followers’ support and blessings,” Xu said. “I am really happy to be the first Chinese captain to participate and complete the Route du Rhum.
“As a disabled athlete, to be able to participate in such a legendary event, I hope that I can be an example, open a window for others, let them know that even persons like us, we have the right to have dreams and the ability to achieve dreams.”
Xu, who lost part of his left arm in a fireworks accident aged 12, has a big following on the mainland. Before the journey, fans sent him their trials and tribulations, to discard into the sea on their behalf.
He said when he was sailing alone, he felt the sea accommodated all his unhappiness and also all his hopes. He wanted to share that feeling with others. “I can help other people take away their annoyances by reading their annoyances to the Atlantic ... and they can be happy ever after,” Xu said.
The start of the race in France was hectic, with the fleet battered by storms and a number of other skippers abandoning the race.
“There was nearly no sleep in the first three or four days, no dry clothes were changed in the first seven days, and the first hot meal was eaten on the eighth day. It was indeed a very difficult start,” Xu said, after arriving at the finish early last Friday morning.
It was a big learning curve for Xu as he continues his journey towards his own round-the-world Vendee Globe race. “I’m so proud to pass through three big storms and that my boat was not damaged,” he said. “I succeeded to protect my boat, from that moment on I finally felt like it’s my boat and I could control her. It’s very important to me.”
Xu reiterated the importance of the sunrise, which reminded him that with a new day, came new opportunities.
“Even though I have seen countless sunrises and sunsets, [they] still amaze me. I always believe that as long as the sun rises, everything will find a solution,” Xu said.
Along with showing disabled people they can pursue their dreams, Xu also more broadly wants to grow sailing in China. A large crowd of Chinese expatriates in Guadeloupe gathered to cheer him in.
“I hope to share the things the sea taught me with more people and make more people happy.”