Volvo Ocean Race: The Horn at last for Groupama

Groupama were the first team to round Cape Horn on Friday, passing the mythical maritime milestone at 1255 GMT in what was an emotional moment for the crew.

“Passing Cape Horn is a huge relief for us,” Groupama skipper Franck Cammas said after 12 days of hugely demanding sailing since the fleet left Auckland.

“It feels like we’re leaving the main risks behind us considering what’s happened to the other boats.

“We’re proud to be the first ones to pass. It’s a big moment for the crew.”

Groupama were followed round at 1352 by PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG, with all the sailors up and deck in preparation for a brief celebration.

“it’s a very emotional time for all of us,” PUMA skipper Ken Read said.

“Everyone’s up out of their bunks. We’re all going to get up on deck and have a little celebration.”

The pair now face a tactical battle over the remaining 2,000 nm through the South Atlantic to the Leg 5 finish in Itajaí, Brazil.

Team Telefónica, who are heading for a brief pit stop in Ushuaia, should be next round the Cape some time on Saturday.

Telefónica are just one of four boats to have suffered significant damage in the Southern Ocean.

CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand are heading for Chile for a pit stop of their own, while Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing continue to assess their best options after completing a daring mid-ocean repair operation.

Team Sanya have put their boat on a ship after seeing a rudder sheared off earlier in the leg. They will not rejoin the race until Miami.

Photo Credit: Yann Riou/Groupama Sailing Team/Volvo Ocean Race

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