While Groupama had already secured overall victory (see Groupama wins Volvo Ocean race in Galway), the other placings were dependent on the in-port race.

Volvo Ocean Race Puma in-port win

Puma wins the final in-port race - photo Ian Roman



Puma certainly finished the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 on a high note, winning the Discover Ireland In-Port Race on Saturday, July 7, in Galway, Ireland. Puma crossed the line with a time of 53 minutes, 12 seconds, 1:19 ahead of second-place Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand. With the win, Puma also took the overall In-Port Race Series, but couldn't better their overall race position as Camper secured second overall with their in-port result.

“We wanted to go out with a bang,” said Puma skipper Ken Read. “We took a little risk off the starting line and it paid off for us. It was such a short first run that starboard tack was going to have a huge advantage if everything was equal. Winning anything is fun, whether it's an In-Port Race or a game of checkers. And, it's fun to compete against the best sailors in the world. We definitely waited pretty long for an In-Port win, but consistency paid off. We’re really pleased, and I’m happy for the whole program – it’s a great way to finish.”

Puma’s Mar Mostro docked off in Galway with the crew wearing the official Puma Irish Rugby Football Union jerseys. Off the start, the fleet split and Puma headed down the left side of the first run. A small left-hand shift combined with starboard tack advantage and slightly better pressure gave Puma the lead at the first mark, a position they never relinquished on the 8.2 nautical mile course. Camper and the Groupama Sailing Team swapped places behind Mar Mostro multiple times throughout the race, while PUMA gradually expanded the lead. Team Telefónica ended in third place, passing Groupama near the finish.

The win marked Puma’s first trip to the top of the podium for an In-Port Race in this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. Puma finished on the podium in nine of the 10 In-Port Races, collecting 45 total points to win the overall In-Port Race Series. The crew was tied with Camper going into today’s final race and won the series by one point.

“It’s a pretty ecstatic feeling, and a huge sense of accomplishment,” said media crew member Amory Ross. “It was a long trip, but it’s already starting to sink in and we’re getting a little sentimental. This was a great note to end on today.”


Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 results


Discover Ireland In-Port Race
1        PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG        6        53:06
2        CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand        5        54:26
3        Team Telefónica        4        55:03
4        Groupama Sailing Team        3        55:36
5        Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing        2        57:07
6        Team Sanya        1        57:39

Overall Standings
1        Groupama Sailing Team        253
2        CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand        231
3        PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG        226
4        Team Telefónica        213
5        Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing        131
6        Team Sanya        51