Southampton sailor Ian Walker admitted the latest stage of the Volvo Ocean Race was the closest leg his team had ever sailed after finishing second yesterday.

The third stage from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to the southern Chinese port of Sanya saw Walker, and fellow local sailor Simon Fisher, finish runner-up to Dongfeng in a gripping climax, writes JORDAN MEYER.

The fleet of six identical Volvo Ocean 65s, which are racing 39,000 nautical miles around the planet on a nine-port epic that will end in June, were tightly knitted together for much of the stage – apart from the Chinese team Dongfeng, who had moved away from the pack.

“This has been far and away the closest leg we have ever sailed,” said a weary Walker after the race.

“We have pretty much been in sight of MAPFRE and Team Brunel since Sri Lanka two weeks ago.

“Then Alvimedica moved into view and joined the fray as we arrived at ‘Pula We’ (a small island at the mouth of the Malacca Strait).

“With Dongfeng so far ahead and effectively out of range during the second half of the leg, it was vital we held off the chasing pack as we approached China.

“We’ve really won the ‘race within a race’ here, and we’re pleased with that. It’s another podium, and keeps us right on track at the top end of the race leaderboard.”

Hampshire pair Dee Caffari and Sam Davies on the all-female Team SCA boat finished in last place, while Sam Goodchild – another local seafarer – on the Spanish boat MAPFRE came into Sanya in fourth place.