Thirty-nine days ago the Dongfeng race team were in the middle of the Southern Ocean with a broken mast. 

Yesterday the team won leg 6 of the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race, which started  from Itajaí, Brazil and finished in Newport. Hundreds cheered from Fort Adams as Dongfeng crossed the finish line between Goat Island and Fort Adams at 10:03 p.m.

Helicopters flew overhead as Dongfeng and second place Abu Dhabi and a large throng of smaller crafts made their way through Newport Harbor. Large lights that came from Fort Adams crossed high into the air and cannons blasted breaking the silence of the night as the two boats crossed the finish line.

“I’d like to give our shore crew this victory," said, Charles Caudrelier.

“The goal for this leg was to be ready in Itajaí, and the shore crew did a fantastic job. They worked very hard to get this boat ready. I’m very proud of them and very happy to take this first place.

“I’m really, really happy. I’m very proud of my team.”

"It’s been a weary leg, with a tactical decision to make every day,” said Charles.

A leg they started by breaking their water maker to finally take the lead on May 2 and never let it go.

The Abu Dhabi race team took second place, three minutes behind Dongfeng.

Text courtesy of  Agathe Armand, 2015 Volvo Ocean Race

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr