Temenos II claims third place in the Barcelona World Race

[Source: Barcelona World Race] Swiss skipper Dominique Wavre and French yachtswoman Michele Paret crossed the finish line in their IMOCA Open 60 “Temenos II” to become the third boat in the Barcelona World Race.

They crossed the finish line at 18.09 GMT on Sunday just off the Olympic Port of Barcelona among family, friends and supporters who accompanied the ecstatic skippers back to shore.

After 98 days 7 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds exactly at sea, it has been a truly “unique round the world experience” for both, as reflected by Dominique’s words just hours from the finish.

"We have been really happy with the boat and it is sad to leave it," said the Swiss Skipper, "It is all a bit confusing in my head for the moment - the race is ending, it is a nice life and we always want this kind of sailing to continue. I will need one or two days to take it all in."

Partners in real life as well as a winning combination on the water; Wavre and Paret have 8 circumnavigations between them, the Swiss-French tandem have overcome adversity and faced the extremes of this first edition of the Barcelona World Race up to the very end; battling harsh conditions in the Straits of Gibraltar before enjoying the last few days in some welcome calmer Mediterranean sailing conditions.

"We didn’t really talk much." said Michele when asked about their last moments at sea, "We looked at each other and said to ourselves 'well, that’s that, we’ve done it'. We left a little room for emotion and it was as if we were closing the door on the race. But we are here at restaurant time this evening and we’re keen to indulge in the pleasures of land!" added the experienced French yachtswoman laughing.

Temenos II crosses the finish line in 3rd place. Barcelona, 17 February 2008. Photo copyright Thierry Martinez / Barcelona World Race