The first ocean crossing - the Atlantic - sees the crew at sea for four weeks. After experiencing the emotions of saying goodbye to loved ones, there is a huge range of conditions to battle - the doldrums, Trade Wind spinnaker sailing, the first Atlantic crossing and celebrating South American style.
After crossing the start line, the first challenge will be to negotiate the fast running tides around the UK and Northern France. The Bay of Biscay, notorious for violent storms and heavy seas, could present its own challenges and teams will be eager to cross it quickly. With the adrenaline-filled start over and settled into watch systems, the first major tactical decision of the Clipper Race comes quickly.
The Canary Islands are on the direct route. The decision whether to leave them to the east, sail through the middle or pass on the west delivers a major tactical headache. Pick the wrong route and teams could end up in the lee of the land, watching the rest of the fleet accelerate towards the Cape Verde Islands.
Typically sitting just north of the equator, the Doldrums will be waiting to test teams mentally and physically with unpredictable conditions, big wind holes, squalls, and high temperatures. The first equator crossing of the race will call upon King Neptune to pay the boats a visit and a ceremony will turn Pollywog crew into Shellbacks – it’s a real leg highlight!
Teams will then continue south to pick up the easterly trade winds, being careful not to get too close to the South American coast, and head all the way to the finish line. You can look forward to celebrating your achievement in typical South American carnival style.