Dutchman Conny van Riets­choten, the only skipper to have won the Volvo Ocean Race twice in its 40-year history, has died aged 87, race organizers said Wednesday.

Van Rietschoten claimed the second and third editions of offshore sailing's leading round-the-world professional race in 1977-78 and 1981-82 on board Flyer I and Flyer II.

He triumphed in the latter despite suffering a heart attack in the Southern Ocean. He insisted on keeping his condition secret from his rivals and even refused shore assistance in case they found out and sensed they could take advantage.

His death from a stroke in the early hours of Tuesday was announced by his family 24 hours later.

Agencies - Global Times