This is an exhilarating, hold-on-to-your-hats type leg. It will challenge you in every way. The constant changing conditions, from brutal to mild mean there is no relaxing, pushing you mentally physically and emotionally. The fleet will first head deeper towards the Southern Ocean, to the most southerly point of the entire circumnavigation.
Crews can expect plummeting temperatures and vigilance will be key as they experience some of the most inhospitable parts of the planet where icebergs flow north from Antarctica.
Some teams may choose to head south of the rhumb line to take advantage of stronger winds, though this will add extra miles to their race. Those that choose this option will need to watch for building low pressure systems heading west around the bottom of the planet. Stay too high and teams risk lengthy wind holes in the Great Australian Bight.
As you round the southern tip of Tasmania you will then make the turn to head north and across the notorious Bass Strait. Traditionally a downwind section of this race but equally with the ability to provide steep seas and challenging conditions. Continuing, you will be sailing against the famous East Australian Current which flows south and east along the coast and can reach speeds of up to four knots. This presents another tactical challenge – whether to stay inshore and reduce the overall distance or whether to head offshore, increasing the mileage, but escaping the effects of the adverse current.
After an exciting race, you will experience stunning scenery and fantastic tropical sailing conditions as you approach your east Australian destination.