Kiwis in Volvo Ocean Race aim to complete leg three before Christmas

The leading crews in the Volvo Ocean Race will arrive into Melbourne in the early hours of Christmas morning.

While the remainder of the fleet faces more days at sea, the Kiwis on board all of the yachts are looking forward to some festive celebrations.

Kiwi Stu Ballantyne is on board with Dongfeng Race Team and he is hoping to reach Melbourne soon.

"A leg win would be a totally sweet Christmas present, no doubt about that, and we are working our butts off to get there," he says.

"On Christmas Day we might have a little celebration, but our focus is going to be on the final few miles of the race." 

Over on MAPFRE Louis Sinclair has a taste of home in store for his teammates.

"I've got an extra box of peanut slabs I bought in New Zealand just before I flew out and so I'll probably break those open and share those out amongst the boys," he says.

Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling is on board with Team Brunel and all he wants to do is win.

"All I want for Christmas is a leg win, maybe a leg of ham later on," says Burling. "It's going to be a big push, but hopefully we can get across the line.

Kiwis in Volvo Ocean Race aim to complete leg three before Christmas
Photo credit: Getty Images

"We'll probably have a nice Christmas breakfast or something on the boat. Not really sure what they can do with the freeze-dried to make it taste any different. Hopefully we get there in time to have some real food instead."

Hundreds of miles away at the back of the fleet the crews know they won't make it to Australia in time for Christmas.

"Melbourne is a little uncertain but it could be anywhere between the 27th and 29th," says Bianca Cook.

"I don't know about roast turkey but I think there is a freeze-dried roast chicken in the day bag, and I believe there will be Swiss hot chocolate as well."

It has been a leg to forget for New Zealanders on AkzoNobel after the boat was damaged early on.

"The tough part was being competitive when we had the accident," says Brad Farrand. "You have to keep pushing and try to keep positive.

"This will be the first Christmas in a long time that I won't be home to see everyone, but I'll catch up with everyone in Melbourne or in the stopover in Auckland."

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