How girlfriend helped Hong Kong sailing hero Cheng Ying-kit stay sane in gruelling Volvo Ocean Race win
History-maker says daily emails got him through as the going got tough on 24-day feat
Hong Kong sailor Cheng Ying-kit was kept sane by the girl waiting for him in port as he helped Dongfeng Race Team create history on Tuesday, becoming the first Chinese boat to win a leg in the 41-year history of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Crew member Cheng said daily emails from girlfriend Wang Binbin helped him cope with the stress as the going got tough in the Malacca Straits during the gruelling 24-day, 4,670-nautical mile voyage from Abu Dhabi to Sanya.
"It was very stressful. Everyone on board was under a lot of strain as we were in the lead, but we hit a hole with no wind, resulting in our lead being cut gradually. We also had problems with the jib. If not for my girlfriend, I don't know how I would have managed," Cheng said.
I looked forward to the time when I could use the computer on board and read her emails. It kept me strong and it made me forget the problems
"I looked forward to the time when I could use the computer on board and read her emails. It kept me strong and it made me forget the problems, at least for a moment, which were swirling around us.
"Everyone on the boat was under a lot of stress. The only thing I could do was do my job as a pitman and keep thinking of Binbin."
Dongfeng, skippered by Frenchman Charles Caudrelier, arrived in their home port in Hainan 45 nautical miles ahead of Abu Dhabi Racing, and took the outright lead in the nine-leg round-the-world race.
"When we sailed into Sanya, there were at least 20 boats out on the water waiting to welcome us home and it was such a great feeling knowing we had made a little bit of history," Cheng said.
"This is a huge step for China. Sailing in China is not a popular sport but I believe what we have done will make people sit up and take notice. My girlfriend was certainly happy."