The Volvo Ocean Race is a grueling 45,000-mile race around the world through some of the fiercest seas on the planet. Carolijn Brouwer (pictured) braves the elements on board DongFeng Race Team.
The Volvo Ocean Race is a grueling 45,000-mile race around the world through some of the fiercest seas on the planet. Carolijn Brouwer (pictured) braves the elements on board DongFeng Race Team.
Martin Keruzore/Volvo Ocean Race
Sailor Eric Peron pulls on waterproof gear during the Volvo Ocean Race -- a competition described as the "Everest of Sailing."
Sailor Eric Peron pulls on waterproof gear during the Volvo Ocean Race -- a competition described as the "Everest of Sailing."
Sam Greenfield/Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
The race kicked off in Alicante, Spain, in October, and will finish nine months later in Gothenburg, Sweden. Sailors must be physically -- and emotionally -- strong to thrive in the world's most savage seas.
The race kicked off in Alicante, Spain, in October, and will finish nine months later in Gothenburg, Sweden. Sailors must be physically -- and emotionally -- strong to thrive in the world's most savage seas.
Sam Greenfield/Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Sailor Ryan Houston shows off his prune-like hands after a morning of heavy rain.
Sailor Ryan Houston shows off his prune-like hands after a morning of heavy rain.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Seven teams go head-to-head in the epic race which stops at 11 ports and covers 45,000 miles. Here, Luke "Parko" Parkinson wipes the salt out of his eyes during a stint along the Vietnamese coast.
Seven teams go head-to-head in the epic race which stops at 11 ports and covers 45,000 miles. Here, Luke "Parko" Parkinson wipes the salt out of his eyes during a stint along the Vietnamese coast.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Launched in 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race is one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world, claiming three lives in the first year alone.
Launched in 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race is one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world, claiming three lives in the first year alone.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
At sea, water infiltrates everything -- including toilet paper.
At sea, water infiltrates everything -- including toilet paper.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Sailor Rokas Milevicius takes a moment to shave during Leg 3 between Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Sanya, China.
Sailor Rokas Milevicius takes a moment to shave during Leg 3 between Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Sanya, China.
Stefan Coppers/Team Brunel/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
The competition includes one all-female team -- SCA -- who have 11 sailors on board. All other teams have eight sailors. Here, members of the women's crew strap themselves into bunks during a sleeping shift.
The competition includes one all-female team -- SCA -- who have 11 sailors on board. All other teams have eight sailors. Here, members of the women's crew strap themselves into bunks during a sleeping shift.
Corinna Halloran/Team SCA/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Living conditions are tight, and everything must have its place.
Living conditions are tight, and everything must have its place.
Sam Greenfield/Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Waves traveling at 20 knots crash into the cockpit during Leg 4 between Sanya, China, and Auckland, New Zealand.
Waves traveling at 20 knots crash into the cockpit during Leg 4 between Sanya, China, and Auckland, New Zealand.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Sailor Dave Swete checks for debris on the keel, after sailing through a current line full of trash and rope, 100 miles south of the Vietnam coast.
Sailor Dave Swete checks for debris on the keel, after sailing through a current line full of trash and rope, 100 miles south of the Vietnam coast.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
It might look like he's taking time out. But sailor Daryl Wislang is diving into the water to clear debris from the keel fin in the hope of increasing speed as the team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing heads towards the finish line in Sanya, China.
It might look like he's taking time out. But sailor Daryl Wislang is diving into the water to clear debris from the keel fin in the hope of increasing speed as the team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing heads towards the finish line in Sanya, China.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Team Vestas work their magic on deck, during Leg 4 between New Zealand and China.
Team Vestas work their magic on deck, during Leg 4 between New Zealand and China.
Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Peering inside the lower deck of Team SCA's boat, is a bit like gazing upon a space shuttle -- objects need to be secured at all times.
Peering inside the lower deck of Team SCA's boat, is a bit like gazing upon a space shuttle -- objects need to be secured at all times.
Corinna Halloran/Team SCA/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File
Sailor Gerd-Jan Poortman shows off his acrobatic skills as he makes adjustments to the clew during Leg 3 between the United Arab Emirates and China.
Sailor Gerd-Jan Poortman shows off his acrobatic skills as he makes adjustments to the clew during Leg 3 between the United Arab Emirates and China.
Stefan Coppers/Team Brunel/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images/File