Six teams had battled it out in this epic eight-month, 39,000 nautical mile (45,000 miles or 72,000 kms) ocean race, the most dangerous and enthralling ocean race in the world.
Groupama crossed the finish line in the pitch black Galway night to secure a remarkable overall victory in their debut Volvo Ocean Race campaign and settle the closest contest in the race's 39-year history.Groupama is pictured with CAMPER Emirates Team New Zealand, rounding the Fastnet Rock on this ninth and final leg to Galway, which was won by CAMPER.
The Groupama team is pictured in Galway docks celebrating their huge win.
Groupama crossed the line in second place, with Irishman Damien Foxall on board, to take an unassailable 24-point lead with just one in-port race to go.
Puma finished in third position ahead of Team Telefonica. UTC Sanya were around 10 miles from the line, just ahead of Abu Dhabi.
As before when Galway hosted a leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, bonfires on the Aran Islands lit up the way into Galway bay.
Six points will be up for grabs for the first place, five for second, four for third and so on when the final in-port race on July 7.
The fun continues in the West with huge crowds expected all week, despite the inclement weather.
Photos: Ian Roman, Volvo Ocean Race
