The Atlantic Trade Winds Leg kick starts the epic eleven-month long Clipper Race circumnavigation, with crew taking part on this leg getting to play a special part in the Race Start celebrations from on board. 

With the adrenaline and spectacle of Race Start over, the opening leg of the race is a demanding one that requires teams to quickly settle into their watch systems and adjust to life at sea. Departing from the UK, the first challenge for teams will be to negotiate challenging tidal streams and the shipping channels of the English Channel and Northern France. 

Split into two stages, the second half of the Atlantic Trade Winds brings its own set of tactical and personal challenges. Teams will need to decide on the best way to navigate around the Canary Islands and then hone their light wind sailing skills as they head towards the equator and the infamous doldrums. 

The doldrums, also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is a band that sits near the equator and as temperatures on board soar, it brings much unpredictability; with wind holes and squalls that will test teams’ resilience. 

Crossing the equator is a milestone for any sailor and will call upon the first visit from King Neptune of the circumnavigation. A real team highlight - the King Neptune ceremony is a long-standing maritime tradition that will turn all pollywog crew into shellbacks as they celebrate their first equator crossing. 

Once clear of the doldrums, teams will pick up the easterly trade winds and enjoy a steadier race over to South America.