Intro:

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Ian Walker won the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race as the boats arrived in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday.

Script:

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing managed to hold off the challenge of Chinese boat DongFeng Race Team to win the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Racing on Wednesday.

The 6,487-nautical mile first leg saw them travel from Alicante, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa.

Briton Ian Walker's boat finished a mere twelve minutes ahead of DongFeng Race Team, skippered by Frenchman Charles Caudrelier.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing completed the first leg in 25 days, three hours and 10 minutes.

It marked a contrast in fortunes for 44-year-old Walker, in the 2010/11 race a damaged mast on the first leg forced his boat to turn around to Alicante, but this time he could celebrate.

SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Walker, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper:

"Oh it feels good, it feels fantastic, we're on top of the world. So proud of my team, so proud of everybody on board but everybody on the shore team as well. It's three years ago (that) we broke our mast when leaving Alicante, probably one of the lowest ebbs of my whole sailing career and to now be here and get such a fantastic welcome in Cape Town, it puts everything in perspective."

Team Brunel should take third spot later on Wednesday with Team Vestas Wind currently looking good for fourth.