A night to remember

As the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race drew to a close this weekend, the sailors, shore crews, sponsors, race staff and even royalty all spruced up for a big celebration.

It was a glitzy and glamorous night - one for swapping soggy sea wear for sharp suits, and damp pants for dresses and pearls.

Proceedings kicked off with a welcome from Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad, who addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for their efforts in making this race one of the best yet.

And then the awards began...

The Abu Dhabi Seamanship Award

Winner: Team Alvimedica

The Turkish-Americans scooped the trophy for their assistance and bravery during and in the aftermath of the Team Vestas Wind crash, where they diverted, abandoning the race, to help the sailors of the stricken blue boat.

The Hans Horrevoets Rookie Award

Winner: Sophie Ciszek

The tough Team SCA sailor is honoured with the trophy in memory of Hans Horrevoets. The award, which is given to the outstanding young sailor of each race, was won by Dave Swete last edition.

"I don't know what to say," she giggled, accepting the award.

IWC Schaffhausen 24-hour Speed Record Challenge

Winner: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

Sprinting in to steal this award with a massive speed of 550.8 nautical miles in one 24 hour period during the Leg 5 Southern Ocean crossing: the Emiratis.

Inmarsat Onboard Reporter Award

Winner: Matt Knighton, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

With the incredible content sent back from the boats day in, day out, any of the nine Onboard Reporters could have won this award. In the end, the judges whittled down the selections - 'the hardest decision they've ever had to make', according to one - and selected Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's Matt Knighton as the winner. Team Alvimedica's Amory Ross and Dongfeng Race Team's Sam Greenfield came in second and third. Congratulations to all.

Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 In-Port Race Series

Winner: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 

After 10 hard-fought, frantic In-Port Races, it was Ian Walker's Azzam crew which grabbed the trophy. Despite a nail-biting finish in front of the adoring Gothenburg crowds, the Emiratis pipped Bouwe Bekking's Team Brunel to first place overall by just a single point.

Volvo Ocean Race trophy

Winner: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

The sacrifice, the pain, the exhaustion - this trophy is the reason that these sailors keep coming back to push themselves to the limit, and beyond. As a kid growing up in Britain, Ian Walker would dream of one day getting his hands on the prize - and this weekend, he finally managed it - leading his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team up on stage to claim victory in what has been an incredible nine month race, full of twists and turns.

Then as the lights went down on another edition of this incredible race, the audience rose to their feet. It's certainly been one to remember.

We will be running highlights videos from the awards night over the coming days - stay tuned!