Few people dare to cross the North Pacific, the world’s largest ocean - and for good reason. Nothing will give you a bigger sense of achievement than overcoming its enormous waves and storms. Referred to as ‘The Big One’ with good reason, the Pacific is the world’s largest ocean and at times the closest humans to the Clipper Race teams will be those on the International Space Station.
Before teams reach the North Pacific Ocean, they are likely to have to navigate fog, fishing boats or even snow. It is then a race to the tip of Japan where the ‘Black Stream’ (Kuroshio Current) runs west to east and can help propel the fleet, but the vicious current can also come at a cost of big seas with confused waters and teams will have to be careful not to get caught out.
Once clear, the North Pacific awaits and will soon bring with it some very cold temperatures, big conditions and dark nights.
This leg is famous for the huge Pacific rollers which pick up the yachts and allow them to surf at 30 knots down into the trough ahead. Out here you can really understand the magnificent scale of our planet and our place within it.
Crossing the International Date Line by sea is a rarely achieved feat by most in this world and often leads to much confusion over what date it is. Once over the line, teams know they are roughly half way to the American West Coast, though keeping competitive focus, preserving kit and looking after crew morale will be a constant physical and mental challenge. Those who cross the Pacific Ocean can truly call themselves ocean racers.