Solo sailor Guo's yacht loses major power

QINGDAO - Chinese sailor Guo Chuan's yacht lost a major power eight weeks after he started the solo non-stop sailing around the world, according to the staff of his support team Tuesday.

The hydroelectric generator of his yacht, named Qingdao after his hometown, had been malfunctioning for days and broke down last week.

"I have already turned off most of the electronic devices and only keep essential devices, like navigation system and autopilot, running to save limited electrical energy." Guo, 48, said over a satellite phone.

"I am assuming for the worst that hydroelectric generator is in mechanical failure and I can't fix it all by myself with simple tools on board." Guo said.

Besides, a spinnaker of the yacht was also broken on January 7.

Being in south of the Pacific Ocean, Guo Chuan is expected to have opportunities to deal with these malfunctions after getting round the Cape Horn in Chile in five days, as temperature will rise and sea waves will become weaker.

"The Cape Horn is the landmark for sailors." Guo Chuan said, "Although there will still be half voyage to go, I will be relaxed after the Cape Horn as the most challenging difficulties will have been behind me."

Guo Chuan, the first Chinese sailor to have taken part in the Clipper Round the World (2006) and the first Chinese to complete the Volvo Ocean Race (2008-2009), aims to travel 21,600 nautical miles in about 130 days, in a class 40 boat.

Guo set off from Qingdao on November 18 last year.