May 22, 2006: ABN AMRO TWO finally crossed the finish line in leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race at 19h08 GMT, scoring 2 points and finishing in sixth position. The young crew of international sailors, led by French skipper Sébastien Josse, wanted to finish the leg for Hans Horrevoets, their Dutch crew member who sadly died in the early hours of Thursday May 18.

In a show of support and compassion, the boat was welcomed by hundreds of well wishers including the entire Volvo Ocean Race team of sailors, race officials, families and friends. As the boat arrived to huge applause at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth there were emotional scenes as the tired sailors were finally reunited with friends and loved ones after what must have been one of the most difficult legs in the history of the race.

Tragedy first struck the crew with the devastating loss of Dutch team mate Hans Horrevoets, after he was swept overboard in big seas and strong winds in the middle of the night, 1,300 miles from land. Seb Josse and his crew located Hans in extreme conditions in an astounding piece of seamanship. However, they were unable to resuscitate him and had to continue on towards the UK with Hans’ body onboard.

As preparations were underway to expedite the quick recovery of Hans from ABN AMRO TWO, the crew was suddenly at the centre of a distress call from movistar, who experienced serious keel problems and started taking on water. The crew responded immediately and changed course to go to the aid of movistar despite the exceptional circumstances. Bouwe Bekking eventually made the decision to abandon ship ahead of worsening weather, and all 10 crew members were transferred to ABN AMRO TWO in another dramatic moment for the race. The movistar crew was safely transferred from ABN AMRO TWO to a RIB just off the coast of Falmouth at 08h15GMT this morning. Finally, the crew bid an emotional farewell to their teammate Hans at around 08h40 when the Dutchman’s body was transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy Frigate, HNLMS Van Galen.

After the emotional scenes at Gunwharf Quays, the crew were taken to the team hotel to spend time with their families and friends. TEAM ABN AMRO will host a press conference at 11:00 (UK) / 12:00 (Europe) on Tuesday May 23 at the New York & Baltimore Suites, Gunwharf House, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and simultaneously broadcast via conference call.

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