225 days after the start of the event The Volvo Ocean Race has ended. Along the way there was excitement, breakdowns of all types, the loss of one boat and most tragically, the death of one sailor.

At the start of the last leg there were two positions left in contention. If Brasil 1 could finish more than four boats ahead of Pirates of the Caribbean they could take second place from Pirates. At the start ABN AMRO Two had a half point lead on Ericsson for fourth place.

At one point in the leg Brasil 1 had their four boat lead on Pirates, but it was not to last. ABN AMRO Two lead for the last third of leg until just before the finish when they sailed into a hole that left them without wind for about an hour. They could do nothing but watch Pirates of the Caribbean sail by with the new wind to take line honors. ABN ANRO Two's second place finish secured fourth place overall.

ABN AMRO One finished a very unfamiliar last for the leg. I cannot help but wonder if when their teammates took the lead they held back just a little. They certainly didn't need any more points.

Congratulations to all of the crews for sailing a tremendously challenging and dangerous race. And Congratulations to ABN AMRO One for the overall win, to Pirates of the Caribbean for second and Brasil 1 for third.

The next race starts in 2008. If anyone decides to put together a team of slightly overweight, out of shape, middle aged guys, I am so there.

updated: Added link to video of Pirates sailing by the stalled ABN AMRO two.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 12:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment