Yachting: Camper takes second in Volvo Ocean Race

Camper have closed their Volvo Ocean Race campaign with a second in the Galway in-port race to secure second overall. Photo / Hamish Hooper.

Team New Zealand's Camper have closed their Volvo Ocean Race campaign with a second in the Galway in-port race to secure second overall at the conclusion of the nine-month race.

The result marks the end of more than 43,000 nautical miles of sailing and closes the chapter on an epic odyssey in one of the toughest and longest sporting events in the world.

"A second overall, a second in the in port series and the 24 hour distance record for the race is a very good feeling," Camper skipper Chris Nicholson said. "This is the easiest race to lose so to be runners-up makes us very happy and proud of our team who have shown great character the whole way round.

"To reflect back on it, I think this is a great result in the end. Our struggles at times over this campaign have been obvious but we've persevered and have come through the other side in great shape and with our heads held high."

Camper were first out of the starting blocks today, joined by Abu Dhabi and Telefonica on the right hand side as the fleet split with Puma, Groupama and Sanya on the left.

However, Camper's lead was short-lived as the port side of the course enjoyed better breeze that propelled Puma into first place, where they stayed for the rest of the race.

Camper and Groupama then engaged in a scrap for second place that lasted until the very last mark, where some superb crew work and a perfectly judged lay line saw Camper cement second place.

"Full credit to Puma for the win here today," Nicholson said. "We had a terrific battle with Groupama all the way round and it was very enjoyable to roll them at the end and cement in second place."

Assessing the race, Nicholson thought the defining moment for Camper was the boat breaking in leg five when they were leading overall.

"That's where we saw winning the race slip away from us. But the biggest high was winning this last leg into Galway. We had good tactics and good speed and the result propelled us into second overall.

"It has been a tough, well-fought campaign and it is been a honour to share it with such a great group of guys. This is a great way to finish it off."