Chinese skipper completes non-stop journey through Northeast Passage

Chinese skipper Guo Chuan said he was "on top of the world" after his maxi trimaran Qingdao China completed the first non-stop journey through the Northeast Passage of the Arctic Ocean.

Along with his crew from France, Germany and Russia, Guo Chuan completed the journey from the Russian city of Murmansk to the Bering Strait, which separates Russia from Alaska, becoming the first team to do so without stopping aboard a sailing boat.

They began the journey of just over 6,000 kilometres on September 3, reaching the virtual finish line between Cape Dezhnev and the island of Big Diomede at 1648 GMT on Tuesday.

"I'm so on the top of the world. It's such an unbelievable moment," said the skipper.

"Even two months ago, I wouldn't have imagined I could have a moment like this. It is a moment that could only happen in a dream.

"I feel very proud of myself and my crew. It is a challenging and tough journey, especially as we were surrounded by ice and gusts under the extreme cold weather.

"The boat was bumping like a roller coaster sometimes and seemed totally out of control.

"For several times, when we were in a very difficult situation, I suspected whether we could go further.

"But thanks to our determination and all the brave and excellent crew, we overcame the difficult time together and finally made it."
Source: AFP