France, March 6 -- Finland's Ari Huusela crossed the line at Les Sables d'Olonne in western France on Friday to end the ninth Vendee Globe solo round-the-world yacht race, 36 days after the winner. He is the first Nordic skipper to complete the competition.

The 58-year-old Finn's vessel Stark entered the port after116 days -- 36 days after the winner Yannick Bestaven, who clocked in after 80 days three hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds.

And he paid tribute to fellow competitor Alex Thomson for inspiring him to pursue his passion.

"I was crying most of the last night," said Huusela as he stepped off the boat. "I have been thinking about this for so long. I am so thankful to my team without them I would not be here, and to Alexwho was the...