Chinese sailor Guo Chuan intends to make it world’s quickest Northern Sea Route trip from Murmansk to the Bering Strait in 14 days without engine power.
His trimaran “Qingdao China" is docked in Jarfjord outside Kirkenes, Norway, as the last preparations for the Arctic voyage are handled. With support from local company Arctic Dive Resort, the expedition stays in Norwegian-Russian border area before it on Saturday heads towards Murmansk. Guo Chuan intends to make it non-stop through the Northern Sea Route quicker than any other before, barentsobserver.com reports.
"The conditions look good, we do not expect any major encounters with ice", Guo Chuan said.
"We want to make it from Murmansk to the Bering Strait in 14 days”, the experienced Chinese sailor said. That trip will be conducted without stops and with only wind power. If successful, it will be a historic mission."
The ”Qingdao China” is built in France and became world-famous when Captain Joyon took it around the globe in a record-setting solo non-stop circumnavigation voyage in 2008. Since then, the ship has been made better prepared for sailing in rough northern waters. The front parts of the hulls have been enforced and new technology has been installed.
Captain Guo Chuan is sailor No.1 in China. He became a star in the country after he completed his solo non-stop circumnavigation in a 40ft yacht and created a new world record.
The expedition comes as China expresses increasing interest in the Northern Sea Route.