The Chinese-backed team were in third place going into the final 'sprint' leg but they outpaced their nearest competitors, MAPFRE and Team Brunel, to secure overall victory, with Dutch sailor Carolijn Brouwer and France's Marie Riou crossing the line off The Hague to clinch the last leg.

Turn The Tide On Plastic - who have a partnership deal with Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign - finished fifth on the 11th and final leg of the race and seventh in the overall standings.

Dongfeng were within sight of their rivals as they approached the finish to claim their first leg victory since leaving Alicante in Spain in October last year at the start of the race.

"It's crazy, it's been an insane race. I can't describe how I feel. My goal was to win the race and to be the first woman to do it," Brouwer said.

"We just had to keep our cool, to keep our head together."

Skippered by race veteran Charles Caudrelier, Dongfeng had not previously won a leg, as they battled mountainous seas in the Southern Ocean and drifted through the Doldrums in the 45,000 nautical mile race, but they had been the most consistent crew among the seven competitors.

The crew showed off the Chinese flag after cruising across the finish line, while Brouwer lifted the Dutch colours in triumph.

"I'm not sure I have been the best skipper, but I have had the best team around me," a tearful Caudrelier said after accepting the cup.

Dongfeng's win also deprives two New Zealanders - Peter Burling aboard Brunel and Blair Tuke on MAPFRE - of sailing's elusive 'Triple Crown' of Olympic gold, the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race.