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Jingkun Xu : "Every time we go to sea it is a life lesson."

THE SKIPPERS SAID (14/40). At 35 Jingkun will be the first ever Chinese skipper to take on the solo non stop around the world race. Learn about this amazing self taught sailor who has been preparing for 18 years for the Vendée Globe which he says is 'a dream becoming a reality'

LORIENT, FRANCE - OCTOBER 17, 2024 : Singchain Team Haikou skipper Jingkun Xu (CN) is pictured on October 17, 2024 in Lorient, France - Photo by Singchain Team Haikou
LORIENT, FRANCE - 17 OCTOBRE 2024 : Le skipper de Singchain Team Haikou, Jingkun Xu (CN), est photographié le 17 octobre 2024 à Lorient, France - Photo by Singchain Team Haikou
© Singchain Team Haikou

He is assured of making history. For the first time, a Chinese skipper will race on the Vendée Globe. In his own way, Jingkun Xu reflects the internationalisation of solo ocean racing and its ability to reach new populations and to make them dream. But first and foremost he is a sailor at heart. 

He, the native of the mountains of Shandong province, in the East of China, who only saw the sea at the age of 12. He believes in his destiny and has a remarkable determination which have carried him through some incredible adventures have made him a unique personality in Asia.  A fireworks accident at a young age meant he lost his left arm above the elbow.  He lost no time in pursuing a career in sailing. After learning the ropes he raced in the Paralympic Games before going offshore. He competed in the Mini Transat and completed a round-the-world trip with his partner. Now he is ready for his biggest test yet on a boat he knows well. 

Vendée Globe :

How do you feel about competing in the Vendée Globe?
 

Portrait de Jingkun Xu

Jingkun Xu

SINGCHAIN TEAM HAIKOU

It is the feeling of a dream coming true. To be able to be on the starting line, I had to work hard for 18 years. After more than 6,000 days and nights, being able to transform my former "so-called madness" into reality is an incredible feeling.

Vendée Globe :

You have an incredible destiny... You grew up on a farm inland. What are your first memories of the sea, of sailing?
 

My hometown is in the mountains 120 kilometers from Qingdao. It was only when I was 12 years old that I saw the sea for the first time. The word "sailing boat" came into my life when the national sailing team was formed to prepare for the 2008 Olympics and they contacted me to join the team. At the time, I didn't know what a sailing boat was, I had to do some research to find out more.

Vendée Globe :

It was only after your arm injury that you decided to take up sailing. Why?
 

After the injury to my left arm running saved me. In other areas, I am missing one arm compared to the others, but on the athletics track, we are all equal, we all have two legs. Thanks to my running performance and my physical fitness, I was selected as one of the candidates when the national sailing team was formed for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Vendée Globe :

What did offshore racing mean to you?
 

 

For me, sailing, and especially offshore sailing, is the best driver for my life. Every voyage is a life lesson, and the sea always teaches me a lot, gives me food for thought, as well as the courage and perseverance to face destiny. That’s why I’m always enthusiastic about promoting offshore racing: I hope to be able to share the lessons I’ve learned with those who need them.

Vendée Globe :

You sailed around the world for three years with your wife Sofia. What images do you remember from that adventure?
 

These three years have not only allowed me to discover many landscapes of indescribable beauty, but I have also witnessed the pollution of the oceans and the harsh conditions that marine creatures face. As a sailor, we are the first witnesses to the fate of the ocean. The ocean is a common heritage of all humanity, and I sincerely wish to use all my strength to raise awareness and actively engage in the protection of the oceans. I hope that our descendants will still be able to enjoy a sea as beautiful as the one we are fortunate to enjoy. 

Vendée Globe :

Your book "Humble Dreamer" was a great popular success. What did you want to convey with this work?
 

 

The Portuguese writer Paulo Coelho wrote in The Alchemist: "When we want something, the whole Universe conspires to allow us to realize our dream." My life journey is proof of this sentence. Through my story, I hope that young people will no longer be afraid to have big dreams, because as long as you run with all your strength towards your dream, you will encounter a lot of love and belief on your way. These forces will support you to reach incredible heights, like the Vendée Globe.

 

Vendée Globe :

What allowed you to embark on this Vendée Globe adventure?

Courage probably comes from two aspects. On the one hand, to participate in the Vendée Globe, I spent 18 years preparing and acquiring the skills necessary for a solo, non-stop round-the-world race. On the other hand, on the journey of this preparation, I received the confidence and the help of many people. Their support has given me a lot of courage and strength.

Vendée Globe :

Over the past three years, you have competed in four transatlantic races. Do you feel ready for this solo round the world trip?
 

 

Yes, totally. When I started my project for the Vendée Globe in 2020, I was already ready in a way. The four races and the two Atlantic crossings over the last three years have allowed me to get to know my boat better and have strengthened my confidence. I think time will confirm this. Over the last three years, I have spent almost every day with my boat, we are the closest partners. In the Vendée Globe, I am convinced that we will return together to Les Sables d'Olonne.

Rencontre avec Jingkun Xu, Singchain Team Haikou | Vendée Globe 2024

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