Team AkzoNobel and Team Brunel, the two Dutch-flagged rivals in the Volvo Ocean Race, are to face off against each other in final friendly duel at the race's ultimate destination, The Hague. On Wednesday June 27 the two crews will compete in an exhibition 'match race' series on their home waters in front of what is expected to be thousands of Dutch sailing fans.

After 45,000 nautical miles of racing around the world in the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, the final act of this legendary race will take place off the coast of The Hague where the overall winner will be confirmed.

Today, with eight of the race's 11 legs completed, the Spanish team MAPFRE are the current leaders, ahead of the Chinese syndicate Dongfeng Race Team in second. Team Brunel, led by Dutch skipper Bouwe Bekking, sits in third – six points ahead of fellow-Dutchman Simeon Tienpont's team AkzoNobel crew.

"I'm sure it will be very exciting for us sailors and with this match race we also want to honour all the Dutch fans who have supported us for more than nine months in our race around the world."

www.volvooceanrace.com

by Scuttlebutt