Solo sailor Kim Seung-jin aboard the Arapani has almost become the first Korean to successfully sail solo, nonstop around the world without outside assistance. He recently passed the equator northward on his way back to Korea, a key requirement to achieve the record.

To attain an around-the-world sailing record, a sailor must pass the equator at least two times, cross every line of longitude and also sail for more than 40,000 kilometers. Sailor Kim's Arapani passed the equator at zero degrees north latitude and 108.07 degrees east longitude, just west of Borneo, at 10:52 p.m. on April 13. This is his second time to cross the equator. Having started his trip at Waepokhang Port in Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong Province) last October, Kim passed the equator for the first time on November 27, 2014.


Kim started his journey from Waemokhang Port on October 18 last year in the hopes of sending people a message of hope. Kim is now on his way back to Korea. Some 3,700 kilometers are left until he reaches his original starting point. Earlier this month on April 4, he successfully traversed the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java, considered one of the most dangerous spots along his course. He was nearly attacked by pirates a number of times, he says, but was luckily able to steer clear of such confrontations. About that, he commented that he was more concerned about failing the challenge, rather than being attacked by pirates.


Kim has successfully sailed through many tricky parts of his route, including around Cape Horn, often regarded as the "Everest of the Sea," the Cape of Good Hope and the Sunda Strait, delivering hope to those on land waiting for news of him.

According to his support team, Kim is expected to return to Waepokhang Port by about May 9. A welcoming party will greet him to celebrate his safe return.

By Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Arapani support team
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr