On October 10, China's renowned navigator and the first Chinese citizen who sails solo around the globe, Zhai Mo, set sail from Shanghai, officially launching his circumnavigation of Antarctica — another highly challenging expedition in his sailing career.

Jointly initiated by Zhai Mo and CCTV News, this ocean voyage aims to promote polar and marine ecological protection, carry forward the spirit and culture of navigation, and enhance friendship and exchanges with countries along the route. It also marks the world's first sailing expedition to circumnavigate Antarctica along the Antarctic Circle. Zhai Mo and his crew will navigate a twin-masted ocean-going sailboat through the East China Sea and the South Pacific, cross the roaring westerlies into the Southern Ocean, pass through the Drake Passage, and sail along the Antarctic Circle around the continent before returning to Shanghai via New Zealand and Australia. The total voyage will cover approximately 36,000 nautical miles over the course of about one year. This journey is not only a testament to human courage in confronting nature, but also a cultural expedition promoting friendship and peace.

Zhai Mo is a symbolic figure in China's maritime community. From 2007 to 2009, he completed China's first solo global circumnavigation, covering more than 35,000 nautical miles over two and a half years. During that voyage, he visited several South Pacific nations for cultural exchanges and was named as one of the role models of CCTV's "Touching China Awards" in 2009. From June 2021 to November 2022, he accomplished the first-ever nonstop sailing circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean. Beyond his mastery as a sailor, Zhai Mo is also an artist who paints with his voyages, each journey reflecting profound reflections on nature, life, and peace. This Antarctic expedition marks another milestone in his career. Sailing through the infamous "Roaring Forties" and the perilous Antarctic seas, he will face extreme weather and complex ice conditions — a supreme test of his endurance, skill, and determination. It will also raise public awareness of polar environmental protection and global climate change. According to industry observers, Zhai Mo's expedition will once again ignite the Chinese public’s passion for the ocean, demonstrating the broad vision, fearless spirit, and commitment to global friendship.

As a leading national energy drink brand, War Horse embodies a spirit of courage and optimism, which perfectly aligns with Zhai Mo's maritime ethos. As the official partner of this voyage, War Horse will provide continuous energy support for all crew members throughout the journey. On the evening of October 9, the "War Horse Energy Night" and the "Sail Beyond Antarctica 2025" Send-off Banquet were held aboard a cruise ship on the Huangpu River. Mr. Weng Haixin, General Manager of Reignwood Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Group’s Shanghai Branch, presented Captain Zhai Mo with a special War Horse Energy Gift Box and expressed best wishes for a smooth and successful voyage.

On the morning of October 10, at the Bailianjing Wharf in Shanghai, Zhai Mo and his crew received warm blessings from all walks of life. Students from Shangnan Wucun Primary School presented them with flowers. Moreover, Shanghai Maritime University marching band performed a rousing send-off. As the bright red sails of the "Zhai Mo 1" unfurled, the ship slowly glided down the Huangpu River toward the open sea, officially embarking on this epic journey around Earth's southernmost continent.

According to the voyage plan, this expedition is more than a challenge of endurance. Throughout the long journey, Zhai Mo will carry out initiatives promoting polar ecological conservation and maritime culture in countries around Antarctica, extending goodwill from China and fostering people-to-people cultural exchanges. He will also visit China's Antarctic research station to pay tribute to the scientists who work year-round in extreme conditions. War Horse Energy Drink will ensure that Zhai Mo and his crew remain energized and focused amid harsh weather and high-intensity sailing, helping them stay clear-minded and resilient as they face the unknown with courage.

Zhai Mo’s Circumnavigation of Antarctica will undoubtedly be one of the most challenging expeditions in China's maritime history. May Captain Zhai Mo and his crew fair wind, abundant energy, smooth sailing and finally a successful expedition.