An epic Leg 6 of the Volvo Ocean Race saw the teams pushed to extremes: from the wet and wild upwind conditions of the start through the stifling heat and calms of the doldrums, leading to an incredibly close finish in Auckland, New Zealand.

The City of Sails has played host to many historically close finishes and this year’s will only add to the legend. With only miles to go the finish line, positions changed as the pressure ratcheted up. Five boats within sight of each other, charging towards the finish line under a bright moon.

After 21 days at sea, as exhaustion set in, the race demanded more from the sailors, with important points at stake.

team AkzoNobel were able to fend off the charge to earn their first leg win over Sun Hung Kai/ Scallywag with MAPFRE completing the podium. Dongfeng Race Team and Turn the Tide on Plastic finished just minutes later, with Team Brunel completing the arrivals finishing in sixth place 1h 29min 11s after the leader.

Enjoy the Leg 6 show…

by Volvo Ocean Race