Yachting: Illbruck wins first leg of round-the-world race

9.22 am

The German yacht Illbruck has won the first leg of the Volvo round-the-world race, crossing the finish line in Cape Town at 9.22 am (NZ time).

Illbruck, skippered by American John Kostecki pounded through short sharp seas in gusty winds of 18-30 knots approaching Cape Town, before coming under the lee of Table Mountain.

Amer Sports One, skippered by New Zealander Grant Dalton, will finish second after being overtaken by Illbruk a few hours before reaching Cape Town.

The two yachts had dueled for the lead through much of the 7,350 nautical mile first leg from Southampton.

In their wake are Team News Corp, Tyco, Assa Abloy, SEB, djuice, and Amer Sports Too.

The 2nd leg, to Sydney, begins November 11. The yachts are expected in Auckland around January 3.