IAN Walker and his Azzam Abu Dhabi crew have passed the halfway point of the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race in pole position to claim another success.

The Southampton-based former Olympian skippered Abu Dhabi to victory in the first leg of the round the world odyssey.

Now he is out in front again as the fleet races toward the finish line at his boat’s home port of Abu Dhabi.

Walker and his crew have made gains in the last few days after fending off high winds of a tropical depression and vast swells in the Indian Ocean.

Azzam, which means determination, came safely out of the Agulhas Current - one of the most dangerous race sections – to raise hopes of a second leg success when they arrive in the United Arab Emirates capital on December 14 or 15.

The lead has not come without its own set of challenges, as Walker and co have dealt with a large tear in a vital headsail as a result of choppy waves.

Quick reactions helped the crew wrestle the sail to the deck to prevent it from ripping beyond repair, and it was back in use within two hours.

Walker also saw the boat’s steering system pulled from its mountings, rendering the right hand wheel inoperative and causing it to lose control, spin around towards the wind and heel over precariously.

The crew got Azzam back under control by using the left hand wheel to get back on a steady course.

Other teams have not been so lucky.

Earlier this week, Team Vestas Wind ran aground in the Cargados Carajos Shoals - forcing the crew to abandon ship.

No-one onboard was injured, after Walker and co had passed the same spot only hours earlier,.

“When we passed the shoal, we realised how easy it would be to not notice it, especially at night,” said Walker.

““It must have been a terrifying experience for all involved and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“We all hope the boat can be recovered allowing the team to rejoin the race as soon as possible.”

Walker said that despite the challenges encountered in the 12 days since leaving Cape Town, Abu Dhabi has managed to shrug off issues and was the first to make the long-awaited north turn on day five and achieve a lead as it made its way northeastwards against strong winds, intense rain and huge seas.

A week of potential light winds meant his crew would have to fight much harder to remain within the leading pack, Walker added.