MKsport first Chinese skipper to finish the Vendée Globe Photo: official website of the Vendée Globe" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-21/30209bc3-6445-4923-90b1-4907e88ac12d.jpeg" />

Xu Jingkun, first Chinese skipper to finish the Vendée Globe Photo: official website of the Vendée Globe

Chinese sailor Xu Jingkun, the "one-armed skipper" sailor from East China's Shandong Province, crossed the finish line of the 2024-25 Vendée Globe on Tuesday morning, becoming the first Chinese skipper to complete one of the toughest sailing events in the world, according to the Xinhua News agency on Tuesday.

Founded in 1989, the Vendée Globe is considered the "Everest of ocean racing," demanding solo skippers to sail around the world without stopping or external assistance, covering about 26,000 nautical miles. The extreme difficulty and high dropout rate make it one of the toughest sailing events on the planet.

Xu was the 30th sailor to cross the finish line, completing the journey in 99 days, 19 hours, 6 minutes, and 11 seconds. However, due to a penalty for a rule infraction near the finish line, he was given a one-hour time penalty, making his official race time 99 days, 20 hours, 6 minutes, and 11 seconds.

Throughout the journey, Xu faced numerous challenges, including storms in the Southern Ocean and a power failure near the final stretch, but his resilience and determination enabled him to persevere until the finish, according to the report. 

Xinhua News Agency-Global Times