Guo Chuan became the first solo Chinese sailor to round Cape Horn in Chile when he piloted his boat through the notorious waters on Saturday.

Cape Horn, located at the southern tip of South America, is renowned for its treacherous winds and extreme weather. Guo described it as the most challenging part of the voyage.

"Cape Horn is a landmark that can fulfill sailors with a sense of achievement," Guo said via satellite phone. "(Passing through Cape Horn) is the same as reaching the peak of Mount Qomolangma for climbers."

Mount Qomolangma is known as Mount Everest in the West.

Guo threw a bottle made by energy drink company Red Bull, sponsor of the voyage, into the water off Cape Horn with the note: "I am a Chinese sailor voyaging around the world, a lucky guy will receive this bottle".

He threw his first bottle into the ocean when he crossed the equator on Dec 4.

The 48-year-old launched his 21,600-nautical-mile voyage in his small Class 40 boat from his hometown of Qingdao on Nov 18, and is expected to return to the starting point in late March.

Guo is in the Atlantic Ocean after rounding Cape Horn. He is expected to reach the Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of Africa, in mid-February, and then navigate his boat back to the Northern Hemisphere.