Volvo Ocean Race. What a close Finish

by Richard Crockett

24 Hours ago MAPFRE was in 5th position overall having had a tough leg with keel canting problems and electronic issues, yet pure determination, skill and a never-say-die attitude saw them win the 8th Leg by 61 seconds.

The finish was in tough, light conditions, and with a tide against the boats as they battled through fog to get to the finish. It was neck and neck between Brunel and MAPFRE, with no team giving an inch.

It was a single tack further away from the influence of the land that saw MAPFRE snatch the lead as Brunel needed two additional tacks. That’s sailboat racing in close quarters.

The moral of the story is this: simply never give up. Fight hard and fair all the way to the finish, and keep driving the boat as hard and fast as possible until the bow is over the line.

MAPFRE did this perfectly and reaped the rewards with victory. Well done.