
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.

Sailor Eric Peron pulls on waterproof gear during the Volvo Ocean Race -- a competition described as the "Everest of Sailing."

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.

Sailor Ryan Houston shows off his prune-like hands after a morning of heavy rain.

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.

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.

At sea, water infiltrates everything -- including toilet paper.

Sailor Rokas Milevicius takes a moment to shave during Leg 3 between Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Sanya, China.

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.

Living conditions are tight, and everything must have its place.

Waves traveling at 20 knots crash into the cockpit during Leg 4 between Sanya, China, and Auckland, New Zealand.

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.

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.

Team Vestas work their magic on deck, during Leg 4 between New Zealand and China.

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.

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.