Sailing Diary EP1 | France

A Decade-long Promise, Collecting the Vessel in France

Welcoming the Hero Home, Embarking on a Global Voyage

February 15, Early Morning, Paris

Soft morning sunlight filters through the airport window, marking my arrival in this romantic yet powerful land. This is no casual trip. It is the official start of my global sailing dream that I have prepared for ten years.

My home on the sea, Mulan, is docked at Garcia Shipyard in France. As a French-made Garcia Exploration 45 sailboat built with aluminum alloy, it is engineered for high-latitude expeditions. Fully equipped and ready, it awaits us to fill it with daily warmth before setting sail across oceans.

Accompanying me is chef Yoyo, a native Sichuanese who never stays far from spicy food. I am from Guangdong, where savory seasonings are daily necessities, and Yangjiang fermented soybean is an indispensable ingredient. We picked up our rental car right after landing and headed straight to Paris 13th District’s Chinese supermarket. We stocked up hometown flavors for the upcoming five years at sea, turning Mulan into a warm dwelling.

Our original plan was to adjust jet lag in Istanbul for shipyard training. Yet a slight schedule delay granted us an extra week in France. What once felt disappointing turns out to be perfect fortune. We get the chance to welcome Captain Xu Jingkun back triumphantly from the Vendée Globe race.

February 16, Afternoon, Le Mans Farm

After finishing grocery shopping, we contacted Jingkun’s wife Sofia and learned he would arrive in Vendée on the early morning of the 18th. We decided to set off one day earlier to meet the returning hero.

We drove from Paris and paused at a quiet farm in Le Mans for a two-night rest.

Entering my fifties, my energy is not as vigorous as younger days. The long flight and drive left us worn out. A good rest helps us refresh ourselves to greet the remarkable Chinese captain.

Surrounded by fresh countryside scenery far away from urban hustle, my heart is filled with anticipation for the reunion and my upcoming voyage with Mulan.

February 17, Evening, Vendée

Resuming our drive, we reached Vendée by dusk. I met my old friend Xiaogang for dinner. Having lived in France for six years, we met back in 2023 and have kept close ties ever since.

We forgot local dining hours. Most restaurants close after 2 p.m. Wandering along streets, we accidentally stepped into Ocean Cafe. I recalled we dined here when seeing Jingkun off for the race. Coincidence touches my heart; this witness spot holds both his departure and glorious homecoming.

We then headed to the team base. Sofia and crew members were having satellite communication with Jingkun, finalizing landing preparations. His voice sounded robust and relaxed. After 99 lonely days surviving on instant noodles at sea, the tough Shandong sailor longed most for a hot dumpling feast.

Later, we joined volunteers to inspect the welcoming venue. Our group waits on the Red Tower shore, while other supporters stand by the Green Tower. We watched a Swiss captain sail into the harbour, stirring deeper excitement inside me.

We also helped put up posters and arrange supplies. Chinese and French volunteers united wholeheartedly, bonded by admiration for courage and perseverance.

Back at the accommodation, we had simple noodles for supper. I charged and sorted photography devices, eager to record every precious moment of the homecoming. Overwhelmed by excitement, I tossed and turned all night, frequently checking real-time navigation updates and preparing shooting gear carefully.

February 18, Early Morning, Vendée Red Tower Shore

I woke up at dawn and made simple breakfast. Just as we got ready to leave, joyful news arrived — Jingkun crossed the finish line!

All waiting and expectation turned into cheers. Captain Xu Jingkun has made extraordinary history in Chinese sailing.

We rushed to the shore and met fellow volunteer Enqi. Strangers united by shared respect, we witnessed how Jingkun’s spirit connects overseas Chinese tightly.

Chilly Atlantic wind numbed my hands holding the camera, yet passion kept me warm. Crowds gathered, sharing posters printed with Jingkun’s name. An elderly French lady spoke fondly to me. Though language barriers existed, her sincere admiration crossed national boundaries.

The returning fleet slowly sailed into the harbour, bursting with thunderous cheers. Jingkun stood at the bow, waving brightly lit flares to the crowd. Fans on the opposite shore waved Chinese national flags, red flames glowing vividly in cold wind. Tears welled up in my eyes as we cheered along the coast.

With access bracelets, we walked onto the floating dock, watching his IMOCA yacht draw near. Local French spectators waved warmly, paying tribute regardless of nationality.

Vendée Globe is more than a competition. It embodies human courage to challenge limits and turn impossibility into reality. With only one arm, Jingkun endured 99 days of storms and solitude, conquering nature and himself. His perseverance deeply inspires me.

My five-year global sailing journey will begin soon. Storms, confusion and fear lie ahead, yet Jingkun’s spirit keeps me accompanied and encouraged. His story proves dreams come true with persistence and devotion.

Today we greet a hero’s triumphant return; tomorrow I embark on my own ocean adventure. This precious memory in Vendée will become eternal strength supporting my endless sailing pursuit.