Yachting: Camper fall short of stage win

Camper finished just over an hour behind leaders Puma in the sixth leg. Photo / Hamish Hooper.

Camper have finished second in the sixth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race this morning with Puma winning a close finish into Miami.

Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand finished just over an hour behind Puma, who completed their second straight stage win.

Puma finished the leg from Itajai in Brazil to Miami in 17 days, one hour and 13 mins. Camper were close behind in completing the leg in 17 days, two hours and 21 mins.

Camper gave Puma a real scare over a fraught final 24 hours, at one point closing to within just 0.6 nautical miles.

Camper skipper Chris Nicholson complimented his competitors on a hard fought victory against his team who are gaining form ahead of leg seven.

"It's been a long leg and Puma have sailed very nicely, they have defended very well, but I think we have attacked well too," he said. "I'm pretty happy with how it's gone. We're in better shape now for the next leg."

Current Volvo Ocean Race leaders Team Telefónica are in fourth place behind Groupama. They are both expected to finish the stage later tonight.

The seventh leg from Miami to Lisbon begins on May 20.

- Herald online