Preparation pays off as Azzam win Miami in-port race

In an incredible finish Puma Ocean Racing came in third by edging out Camper within metres of the final line.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's Azzam bagged a third in-port race.

MIAMI // Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing confirmed their status as the kings of the in-port race with their third win in the Volvo Ocean Race yesterday, while Groupama took a strong second to pile more pressure on overall race leaders Team Telefonica, confirming they are the Spanish team's biggest threat.

They may be out of contention in the main race, but Ian Walker's Abu Dhabi crew cemented their reputation as formidable in-port contenders and took six points for the victory in the in-port race, French team Groupama scored a valuable five, taking them to 158 overall.

In an incredible finish Puma Ocean Racing, powered by Berg, came in third by edging out Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand within metres of the final line, just nine seconds ahead.

Team Sanya finished fifth to score two points, while Team Telefonica scored just one point for sixth place, making them wide open to attacks from their opponents on the overall leaderboard with 165 points.

"That was a pretty strange race," Azzam skipper Walker said. "I have to say our crew work got us back in the race.

"It feels great. We've had a tough time, the last in-port race we had no training time, this time we made an effort to have two training days and it paid off.

"We made a good start which is always a good help, and for sure our crew work was very good and that makes a big difference."

The sailors and shore crews are now turning their sights on the final preparations for today's 3,500 nautical mile Leg 7 race from Miami to Lisbon, Portugal.

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