by Bouwe Bekking (skipper)
The race has finished in a spectacular way, with another very close finish. With a first for the black boat and a third for us, a successful leg for the Telefónica team.
It was good to see how our mates held off PUMA, as we were right behind them, and could follow their tacking match.
Early this morning we though we were back in the mix for first place, but the leaders got a puff of breeze and extended from being 200 metres ahead to four miles ahead, while we were parked up in no breeze. In the meantime, Ericsson 3 closed up two miles and was actually ahead of us at one stage.
But, with a brilliant last beat into the finish, we secured third place and caught up enough with the leaders to follow their match.
After the finish, no big celebrations, just big hugs for every crewmember. I think it hasn't sunk in yet that it is over. Even that is was early hours, there was a big pile of spectator boats out there, and at least they have seen some action.
My last words for this quote are for my team onboard. Thanks to you all, we have shown the world what a team is. You guys have been brilliant! I wouldn’t be surprised to see all of them back in two years time.
Cheers.
Volvo Ocean Race
Monday, 29 June 2009
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