The Art of Sailing

Zhai Mo, China's Painter-Sailor

By staff reporter LU RUCAI

PAINTING is my career, but sailing is my passion," Zhai Mo, founder of Global Sailing (Beijing) Sports Culture Co., Ltd., said.

From January 2007 to August 2009, Zhai single-handedly circumnavigated the globe, becoming the first Chinese person to do so by sailboat. In recognition of this achievement, Zhai was selected as one of the ten "inspiring people" in China for 2009 and became the image ambassador for sailing in China. In 2011 Zhai also featured in China's National Image Film, which was screened in New York's Times Square and depicts outstanding Chinese figures and common folk alike to better acquaint overseas audiences with the Chinese people.

Recently, Zhai Mo has been preparing for his second global sailing tour. This time he won't be alone, but will lead a team of 100 sailors. "Everyone is full of passion. I am thrilled to be a mere facilitator this time. This trip will enable our committed team members to realize their dreams," Zhai said.

Zhai Mo sailing in the Sea of Japan.

From Painting to Sailing

Upon first meeting Zhai, his appearance gives hints as to his dual identity. His long, unkempt hair betrays his artistic, bohemian roots, but at six foot two, and with shoulders to make a linebacker look twice, it's obvious that sport plays a big part in his life.

Looking at him now, it's hard to believe Zhai went through a childhood dominated by severe asthma. "I'm not fond of recalling my childhood – I was weak, felt sorry for myself and was really shy. But the memories are still there, and they have a habit of resurfacing. When I was sailing across the equator and looking up at the starry sky from a crystal-smooth ocean, I found my mind drifting back to my early years, and there was a sense of peace," Zhai wrote in his autobiography, Sailing the Globe Solo.

But Zhai's wheezing childhood left him some gifts. Hours spent resting were dedicated to cultivating his artistic talent, and the disease helped shape his character – today he is courageous, persistent and resolute in overcoming difficulty.

Born in 1968, Zhai was the sixth son in his family. He says his five older brothers were all very athletic; only he was sickly. At primary school, he couldn't play games with other children or take part in any energetic exercises during PE class since his mother had informed the school of his asthma and requested special treatment. It was by chance that his father discovered he had a gift for painting. This proved a great hobby for Zhai that didn't demand strenuous physical exertion. Nevertheless, classmates mocking him for being weak continued to be a source of humiliation.

To shake off his "weakling" stigma, Zhai started to exercise in secret and bathe in cold water. Gradually, he grew stronger and happier.

But his life still revolved around painting. In 1985, he enrolled in Shandong Art College to take a course in oil painting. After four years at the college, he was offered a job in a state-owned art institution, but declined and headed to Zhuhai Film Studios to work as a cameraman, poster-painter and art designer. In his free time he also produced advertisements for various companies. In this way, he spent a busy decade working in movies and TV.