The French legend Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by the indomitable Marie Tabarly, has taken provisional line honours in the final leg of the inaugural McIntyre Ocean Globe Race – and in the days ahead could potentially win the OGR Overall! At 22:52 UTC, 11th April the stunning black-hulled, 73-foot Bermudan Ketch, revered amongst sailors around-the-world sailed gracefully across the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line in Cowes, UK. With Marie at the helm, leading her loyal troops, it was fitting that this yacht, sailed by her father Éric Tabarly in the 1973 Whitbread Round-the-World Race, should take line honours in such style. With almost a two-day lead on nearest rival L’Esprit d’équipe FR (85) for line honours, Pen Duick VI’s dominance on the final leg is unquestionable.

Arriving in 12 knots of wind and strong tidal currents Marie, first mate Tom Napper and the ten determined crew onboard looked both relieved and immensely proud of their epic achievement. Maire had stated from the very beginning that once there was wind Pen Duick VI would shine and she was correct. For the final leg Marie’s strategy was “to go fast, fast, fast and we accelerate at the end”. Clearly a winning strategy!

Speaking on the pontoon after a difficult docking at Trinity Landing due to the extremely strong currents Marie spoke with passion about her round-the-world experience.

“There were so many stand-out moments. I remember we were going fast, in 55 knots of wind and there were dolphins just jumping on the waves. In 55 knots! Crazy. I remember racing very close with Translated 9 and Maiden and being able to see them. Then all the buddy chats, four times a day on the radio, I’m going to miss them. There are way too many moments, so many amazing moments. ”

MARIE TABARLY, SKIPPER OF PEN DUICK VI.

A second former Whitbread yacht and winner of the 1985 race, L’Esprit d’équipe FR (85) 360 nm miles behind is due to take second-in-line honours, arriving in Cowes within 48 hours. Third place in line honours another 100 miles back and gaining fast is Spirit of Helsinki FI (71) followed by Neptune FR (56) 200 miles further back and then Maiden UK (03).

The remainder of the fleet are once again heading into light winds which will complicate progress. The next 48 hours are going to prove extremely challenging for crews already frustrated with the slow progress.