Ericsson Racing Team skipper Torben Grael of Brazil led Ericsson 4 across the Leg 5 finish line here at 2257 GMT (1957 local) to complete a team sweep of the leg and solidify its overall lead in the Volvo Ocean Race.
The arrival of Ericsson 4, with three Brazilians aboard – Grael, Horácio Carabelli and João ‘Joca’ Signorini – marked a homecoming of sorts. The three have been away from Brazil for more than a year, and were welcomed by hundreds of fans, team personnel and the outstretched arms of the illuminated Statue of Christ on Corcovado Mountain.
‘That’s the wonderful thing about Brazil,’ said Grael, a Brazilian sports hero for his five Olympic sailing medals. ‘The warmth and friendship that everyone expresses, it’s a wonderful feeling. To have a reception like we’ve had here in Rio is fantastic.’
Ericsson 4 finished more than …Â Details