Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Circumnavigators honoured

by Ruth Harrington on 29 Aug 2013 Guo Chuan, the first Chinese sailor to ever compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race back in 2005, will be presented with a Guinness World Record certificate on friday, after becoming the first Chinese yachtsman to complete a solo circumnavigation this year in just 137 days.

He 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 1968-1969, who will also be presented with an honorary award by the Guinness World Records this Friday in recognition of his achievement.

45 years ago Sir Robin started out on his record breaking attempt that took 312 days to complete, winning the Sunday Times Golden Globe trophy.

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

When:: 11.00 AM, Friday, 30 2013
Where:. St Katharine Docks, London - at the show pontoon aboard Qingdao
Who: Available for interview:

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston; Clipper Race Chairman and founder, legendary yachtsman Guo Chuan, the first Chinese person to sail solo non-stop around the world this year Vicky Song, potentially the first Chinese woman to circumnavigate the planet on the next Clipper Race.

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 miles route.