LES SABLES-D'OLONNE, France -- As the first-ever Chinese skipper to compete in the Vendee Globe, Xu Jingkun set off from the port of Les Sables-d'Olonne on Sunday in the 10th edition of the legendary solo, non-stop, around-the-world yacht race.

"I feel great right now - excited, a little nervous, but mostly thrilled. After all these years, this dream is finally in front of me, and I can't wait to start," Xu, 35, shared in an interview with Xinhua ahead of his adventure.

Born in Pingdu, north China's Shandong Province, Xu encountered two life-changing events at the age of 12 - seeing the sea for the first time and losing his lower left arm due to a fireworks accident.

"Losing my arm taught me resilience, and from then on, I wanted to push my own limits. Discovering the sea opened a new path for me," Xu said, reflecting on the accident in his childhood.

Always athletic, he first excelled in track and field before discovering a lifelong passion for sailing - a sport that would come to define his career and inspire many. His talent and determination led him to represent China in sailing at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, marking his entry into international competition and laying the groundwork for future achievements on the global oceans.

"Sailing isn't just about competing; it's about constantly learning and exploring the sea," he explained.

Over time, Xu gained recognition both in China and internationally for his pioneering accomplishments. He became the first Chinese skipper to complete the Route du Rhum transatlantic solo race and went on to complete China's first double-hulled circumnavigation. Now, his participation in the Vendee Globe marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Chinese sailor to compete in a field traditionally dominated by European skippers.

"Being the first Chinese sailor here is more than a personal achievement. It's about inspiring others to see beyond obstacles and to explore what's possible," Xu said, expressing his hope that his journey can become a catalyst for Chinese sailing.

Established in 1989, the Vendee Globe is known for its extreme demands, requiring sailors to navigate solo around the globe without stopping or any external assistance. The race typically spans around 26,000 nautical miles and takes about three months to complete, during which competitors face brutal weather, technical challenges, and the psychological toll of isolation. In many editions, fewer than half of the participants manage to finish, underscoring its reputation as one of the world's toughest endurance challenges.

Dressed in traditional Chinese attire, Xu stepped onto the pontoon and boarded his Imoca monohull, Singchain Team Haikou, amid applause from spectators at the port. The event's host shared Xu's journey, calling him "a trailblazer for Chinese sailing" and celebrating his unique role in this year's race. Thousands of attendees, inspired by his story, cheered as he prepared to set sail.

"Ever since I arrived at the race village, I've been immersed in the local sailing culture," Xu remarked. "Being here as a Chinese skipper, I can feel the curiosity and support we've received from people here. It's truly moving."

Leading up to the race, Xu received an outpouring of encouragement from supporters worldwide. His team shared a touching gesture from a group of schoolchildren near Paris who composed and recorded a song titled "Jingkun, a unique skipper," sending their wishes for his success in the race.

Asked about his goal in this year's race, Xu emphasized the importance of completing it safely and successfully. "If I can finish it safely, I'll aim to place in the middle of the pack," he stated confidently.