Guinness World Records honour circumnavigators

The first Chinese sailor to ever compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate today after becoming the first Chinese yachtsman to complete a solo circumnavigation in just 137 days.

Guo Chuan, 48, was inspired by Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who became the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-9, also received an honorary award from Guinness World Records today in recognition of his achievement.

Guo Chuan, who competed in the Clipper 05-06 Race, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston were presented with their award by the Vice President of Publishing for Guinness World Records, Frank Chambers. The presentation took place on board the Qingdao yacht entry in St Katharine Docks, which will host the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race Start this Sunday.

Guo Chuan, from Qingdao, said: “It is a great honour to be here today to accept this award. Sir Robin has always been an inspiration to me and it is a privilege to be a part of history.

“I wish all the crew on board Qingdao a very safe and successful journey, and I look forward to greeting the whole fleet on their arrival in Qingdao next year.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston launched the Clipper Race, a unique, biennial race for amateur sailors 17 years ago. 

The Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race starts Sunday 1 September from St Katharine Docks, London, and will return almost a year later after completing the 40,000 mile route.

Sir Robin said, “It’s an honour to be here today to accept this award. The best thing about being the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, is that no one will ever be able to take break that record.”

Vicky Song, a crew member aboard this year’s entry from Qingdao also attended the event. She hopes to become the first Chinese woman to circumnavigate the world by completing all eight legs of the challenging race.