IAN Walker’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team last night became the first to win two legs of the current Volvo Ocean Race.

The Warsash-based sailor’s crew crossed the finish line in Itajai, Brazil, shortly before 8.30pm UK time.

It was a narrow victory, with second-placed MAPFRE only about five miles behind at the finish.

Abu Dhabi’s closest rivals for the overall prize, Chinese-backed Dongfeng Race Team, were forced to withdraw from the leg after suffering a broken mast.