GOTHENBURG, Sweden - Swedish boat ASSA ABLOY won the eighth and penultimate stage of the Volvo Ocean yacht race yesterday to keep their hopes of victory in the round-the-world event alive.
Skipper Neal McDonald's craft reached its home port of Gothenburg under cover of darkness shortly after midnight, less than a
mile ahead of four other yachts, including race leaders illbruck Challenge who came fourth.
McDonald and his multi-national crew were greeted by thousands of people and a fireworks display at Eriksberg harbour.
"Coming in here was terrific, I've never seen such a welcome," McDonald told reporters.
Assay Abloy can still win if they impress again in the 250 nautical-mile final leg to Kiel starting on June 6 while hoping the German-backed illbruck, on 54 points and five ahead, finish well back. Leg victories are worth eight points.
"It gives us a bit more of a chance," McDonald said.
"It is still an uphill battle.
"It has opened the door... Now we're scrapping it out for first. The fight is on."
ASSA ABLOY had snagged a race marker at the start of the eighth leg to lose ground but began closing the gap in the English Channel.
"They (illbruck) messed it up at Skagen," said ASSA ABLOY helmsman Magnus Olsson, who was lifted on his crew mates shoulders during their celebrations at the finish.
"They messed it up and lost two boats. They must have a nasty feeling now. The next leg could be very flukey, so you never know.
"Let's be realistic, illbruck have a great starting point, but they're probably a little nervous now."
ASSA ABLOY'S shore crew, meanwhile, will all have their heads shaved as part of a bet after Thursday's win. If they had not won, the racing crew would have had their heads shaved.
- REUTERS
Times of finish, Leg 8 (GMT):
May 29:
ASSA ABLOY 22.06.38
Tyco 22.08.38
News Corp 22.10.34
illbruck 22.11.55
Amer Sports One 22.13.28
SEB 22.57.50
May 30:
djuice 01.19
Amer Sports Too 09.50
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