/world sport
CNN -- France's Yves Le Blevec has claimed victory in the Mini Transat classic as he arrived in Bahia, Brazil to a hero's welcome after a storming performance in the second leg.
Blevec was unsure whether he had won after losing communications in the closing stages.
Le Blevec, who was on the entry waiting list and was only granted permission to race just a few days leading up to the start, finished third on the first leg from La Rochelle to Madeira.
He duly completed the 3,050-mile second leg of the course in just 17 days, six hours, 35 minutes and two seconds confirming him as overall winner of the event with an overall time of 23 days, three hours, 51 minutes and 24 seconds.
Sailing a new Lombard-designed prototype 6,50 Actual, Le Blevec said he lost communications for the last six days so as far as positioning was concerned he was actually not 100 per cent sure he was the leading boat until he crossed the line.
Le Blevec was elated as he stepped ashore for the first time in two and a half weeks:
"I am feeling incredible. Two years I have been living only for this project, a project which my Actual partner and myself dreamed of - crossing the line as a winner."
Le Blevec admits he was under a lot of pressure after the first leg which was won by Isabelle Joschke with Sam Manuard in second.
There was also Adrien Hardy and Ronan Deshayes to consider. "My aim was to go as fast as possible, without respite.
"I did have a few moments of concern for my boat bearing in mind the fact I dismasted while crossing the equator in the last edition of the race, so I was pleased to have cleared the doldrums without problem," he added. E-mail to a friend 
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