Volvo Ocean Race champions-elect Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) has set off from The Hague in The Netherlands on the final leg of the round the world race after arriving in fifth place for a scheduled pit stop.
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The ADOR crew left for Gothenburg, Sweden at precisely 1553 and 43 seconds with an unassailable points advantage that means they are assured of being crowned VOR champions irrespective of their finishing position on the ninth and final leg of the nine-month, 39,000 mile race.
The fleet left The Hague in the order they arrived from Lorient with the Abu Dhabi’s yacht Azzam crossing the starting line in fifth place, three hours, 53 minutes and 43 seconds behind the leader.
The victorious ADOR sailors will receive heroes’ welcomes when they arrive in Gothenburg, where they are expected in the early hours of Tuesday June 23.
ADOR fans can follow Azzam’s progress via a live online tracker at volvooceanrace.com.
Walker attributes some success down to dedication of onboard reporters
The winning skipper in the Volvo Ocean Race has turned the spotlight onto the reporters who covered the epic round-the-world sailing race – and urged them to enter the Sport Media Pearl Awards in Abu Dhabi.
“I’ve just spent nine months offshore with our own onboard reporter, and quite frankly, the success of the race is through their hard work and dedication,” Walker explained. “Without great people to tell great stories, it would be very difficult for anyone to follow this race.
