Solo world sailor Guo Chuan crosses zero meridian

QINGDAO - Chinese sailor Guo Chuan crossed the zero meridian last Sunday - the Lunar New Year Day - in his non-stop solo sailing around the world, according to his supporting team Monday.

Guo celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year with his wife and two sons through online video. Beside fish, pork and vegetables, Guo's wife also put some frozen dehydrated food, which Guo eats everyday on the ocean, on the table.

"On the Lunar New Year's Eve, I ate beef, sausage and frozen dehydrated food, which are much better than I always ate," Guo said. "I also drank some white spirit."

The Lunar New Year is the most important annual festival in China and an occasion for people to renuinte with their families.

"I celebrated the New Year with my family in my heart, but I can't rest on this day as the yacht is still sailing," Guo said.

Guo, 48, is supposed to reach on Wednesday the Cape of Good Hope, southernmost of Africa.

Setting off from Qingdao, east of China and Guo's hometown, on November 18 last year, Guo aims to travel 21,600 nautical miles in about 130 days.