Skipper Kim Seung-jin's yacht, the Arapani, currently on an around-the-world solo sailing trip, passed Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, at 10:40 p.m. on February 2.

Cape Horn is often referred to as the "Mount Everest of Sailing" and is regarded among yachtsmen as one of the most difficult parts of the world of sailing. The waters around Cape Horn are particularly hazardous with year-round strong winds and currents and large waves. Captains who have succeeded in rounding Cape Horn become "Cape Horners," an honorable title for all sailors. Kim has now successfully become the first Korean Cape Horner.

Determined to spread a message of hope across the nation, Kim began his journey on October 18, alone, without any assistance or help from a motorized engine. The journey doesn't look easy. It's an extreme challenge to sail for about 40,000 kilometers, with only the power of the wind, without stopping at any port, for eight months and crossing the equator at least two times.

His support team back on land wasn't able to hide the wave of happy excitement at the news of Kim's successful passing of Cape Horn. The team has set up their base camp at Waemokhang Port in Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong Province), Kim's starting point. They help him with information about the best sea lanes and about weather conditions. Lee Jin-ki, the team manager, said, "It normally takes about three weeks to go around Cape Horn, but Kim passed the section in only a week. All of our team members are delighted at the news and we thank him for successfully riding out the storms and currents."



In a video message that he sent back to his team, he said, "There were times when I thought about the worst-case scenario, giving up everything and going back, due to some problem in the components, but now I managed to get out of my depression." He also added, "It's wonderful to have something to aim for at the age of 50. I am happy to be on a journey and achieving my goals."

Between the waters of South America and the South Pole, Kim is sailing near the Falkland Islands. He is soon expected to pass the halfway point and begin his return trek to Korea. However, it's a bit early to take a sigh of relief. Manager Lee of the support team said, "When he is about to approach the Indian Ocean, we will need to arrange safeguards to protect him from possible pirate attacks. It will probably be around the middle of March."

Having crossed the Pacific and Antarctic Oceans, Kim has travelled more than 21,000 kilometers for over 113 days. He aims to return to Waepokhang Port in South Chungcheong Province, his starting point, in the middle of May.


*Please click the link below to see how Kim lives on his yacht.

By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr