​Meet the Qingdao Ambassadors: E Xianhong (Hungry)

Name: E Xianhong (Hungry)

Age: 24

Nationality: Chinese

Occupation: Student

Legs: Asia-Pacific Leg 5

Team: Qingdao

At 24, E Xianhong, or as he is known to his teammates, Hungry, has done what people twice his age only dream about; take on the world’s oceans.

Hungry has recently completed The Asia-Pacific Leg 5 of the Clipper Race, a 6,000 nautical mile journey made up of two races from the Whitsundays in Australia to Sanya, and from Sanya to his adopted home of Qingdao.

“I am a student studying polymers and so spend a lot of time in the lab.” he says.

“I love sailing and wanted the chance to take part in the Clipper Race to experience offshore racing. The government of Qingdao provided this great chance and when I passed the exams and was offered the place I was very happy.”

A highlight of his time on board Qingdao was the third place in the opening 4,300nm race to Sanya, but what Hungry has enjoyed most is getting to know his teammates.

“I am proud to be part of this team and think that it is great. We have a mixture of young and old and those with lots and little sailing experience and everyone looks out for each other and takes care of each other. It is like a family.”

After arriving home in Qingdao to a hero’s welcome, Hungry had the chance to show Sir Robin Knox-Johnston around his University and share with his fellow students what it means to be a Qingdao Ambassador.

He says: “It is an opportunity for lots of people from different backgrounds and with different jobs and with different levels of sailing experience to experience something amazing.

“Having more people involved in the programme will let more people across China know about sailing, which I love. I have really developed my English and communication skills during my time on the Clipper Race too and have had a chance to meet people from across the world and share with them what makes Qingdao so special.”

Although sad to be leaving his new Qingdao family behind as it gears up to embark on the 5,600 nautical mile race across the North Pacific to Seattle, Hungry is looking forward to remaining in Qingdao, a city that he loves, to continue sailing and help with the development of the sport across China.

Keep up to date with the latest from Hungry’s team via the Qingdao Team Page on the Clipper Race website.