After 37 challenging days at sea, French boat Pen Duick VI has arrived off the Isle of Wight, crossing the finishing line in the fourth leg of the Ocean Globe Race (OGR).

There were emotional scenes as the 73ft yacht came into Trinity Landing, Cowes, last night (Thursday), taking the provisional first in line honours and first in leg four IRC handicap ranking.

Skippered by Marie Tabarly, the vessel arrived just before 11pm, giving them a near two day lead on their nearest rival —  L’Esprit d’équipe.

Crews left Southampton in September for a round-the-world adventure, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first Whitbread Race. 

Isle of Wight County Press: The French legend Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by Marie Tabarly, has taken provisional line honours in the final leg of the inaugural McIntyre Ocean Globe RaceThe French legend Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by Marie Tabarly, has taken provisional line honours in the final leg of the inaugural McIntyre Ocean Globe Race (Image: Aïda Valceanu/ OGR2023)

Arriving in 12 knots of wind and strong tidal currents, Marie, first mate Tom Napper and the ten determined crew onboard looked both relieved and immensely proud of their achievement.

For the final leg Marie’s strategy was “to go fast, fast, fast and we accelerate at the end”. 

Speaking on the pontoon, after a difficult docking at Trinity Landing due to the extremely strong currents, Marie said: "There were so many stand-out moments.

"I remember we were going fast, in 55 knots of wind and there were dolphins just jumping on the waves. In 55 knots!

"Crazy. I remember racing very close with Translated 9 and Maiden and being able to see them. Then all the buddy chats, four times a day on the radio, I’m going to miss them.

"There are way too many moments, so many amazing moments."

Isle of Wight County Press: For the final leg Marie’s strategy was “to go fast, fast, fast and we accelerate at the end”For the final leg Marie’s strategy was “to go fast, fast, fast and we accelerate at the end” (Image: Tim Bishop/PPL)

Isle of Wight County Press: Pen Duick VI First in Line Honours & IRC Leg Four and still possible for OVERALL RACE IRC.Pen Duick VI First in Line Honours & IRC Leg Four and still possible for OVERALL RACE IRC. (Image: Tim Bishop/PPL)

The focus now turns to the Overall Race IRC leaderboard. 

Pen Duick VI currently sits in second place, just 19 hours behind Triana.

But Triana still has 1320 nm until crossing the finish line and is now racing against the clock.

The remainder of the fleet, including south coast-based UK entry, Maiden, are expected next week.