ABN AMRO TWO finally crossed the finish line in leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race at 1908 GMT, 2008 local time, scoring two 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 at sea in a tragic accident in the early hours of Thursday May 18. The families of all the crewmembers waited at the historic dockyard of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and there were emotional scenes as the tired sailors were reunited with friends and loved ones after what must have been one of the most difficult legs in the history of the race. In a show of support and compassion, the boat was welcomed by hundreds of well wishers involved in the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as the entire TEAM ABN AMRO.

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. Although Sebastien Josse located Hans in extreme conditions and in an astounding piece of seamanship, they were unable to resuscitate him and had to continue on towards the UK with the body.

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. The movistar crew was safely transferred from ABN AMRO TWO to a RIB just off the coast of Falmouth at 08h15GMT. Finally, the crew bid an emotional farewell to the teammate Hans at around 08h40 this morning when the Dutchman’s body was transferred to the Dutch Navy Frigate, HNLMS Van Galen.

After the emotion scenes at Gunwharf Quays the crew were taken to the team hotel for a debrief and to spend time with their families and friends.

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