GOTEBORG, Sweden (AP) Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing won the 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race on Monday, completing the nine-month around the world trek by arriving safely in Goteborg's harbor.
Abu Dhabi held a big lead going into the ninth and final leg from Lorient, France to Sweden and only needed to avoid a major mishap to clinch the victory. It finished fifth on the leg, which was won by Turkish-American boat Team Alvimedica.
Ian Walker became the first British skipper to win offshore yachting's premier event, which was launched 41 years ago as the Whitbread Round the World Race.
''I said at the start of the race that I was confident, but there are 100 ways to lose this race but only one way to win it,'' Walker said. ''And it just all came together for us perfectly.''
The Alvimedica victory ensured all but one of the seven-strong fleet won at least one stage in the race.
Dutch boat Team Brunel finished second in the overall standings thanks to their runners-up spot in leg nine, with Dongfeng Race Team of China taking third place after claiming fourth position in the last leg.
An in-port race will be held in Goteborg on Saturday but it will have no impact on the top positions. There is a separate trophy for the in-port race series, which Abu Dhabi also leads by six points.
