Top Chinese sailor to call in Seychelles on epic voyage - 10.08.2010
Zhai Mo will call at Port Victoria in February 2012 as part of the “first global sailing campaign by a non-powered fleet” in Chinese history on the first navigation route designed by Chinese people.
He will lead a team of 60 sailors following him on three sailing boats, starting out next month.
The voyage will take 11 months, covering 32,000 nautical miles with 33 stopovers in 27 countries. The boats will visit four continents – Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa –and cross three oceans – Indian, Pacific and Atlantic.
As a passionate advocate of marine sport, Zhai Mo says he drew inspiration from the expeditions of legendary Chinese Admiral Zheng He, who led many expeditions to the eastern and southern coasts of Africa at the beginning of the 15th century.
On his 2007 visit to China, President James Michel gave President Hu Jintao a model of Admiral Zheng’s junk (Chinese vessel), which is likely to have visited Seychelles’ waters during his travels, although there are no remaining records.
Ahead of the official launch of promotional events to support the global sailing campaign, Zhai Mo – who came here in 2007 – met Seychelles’ ambassador to China Philippe Le Gall, who said he was delighted Seychelles has been chosen as one of the ports of call on such a historic journey.
Mr Le Gall congratulated the navigator for initiating this zero-emission and low-carbon journey, in line with Seychelles’ pro-environment policy.
He also told Zhai Mo of plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Chinese presence in the Seychelles archipelago, a celebration that could be planned to coincide with Zhai Mo’s visit.
Elected as one of the “top 10 people who inspire China” in 2009 and one of the “top 10 Chinese green life leaders”, Zhai Mo is also a well-known artist and passionate environmentalist.
The crew of the three boats following Zhai Mo’s vessel will comprise sailors who have special artistic or professional skills, and performances of martial arts and other cultural disciplines will be given in each port of call.
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