A melting pot of exhilaration, power, raw beauty and adrenaline, this leg gets its name from a band of strong westerly winds found between 40° and 50° latitude in the Southern Hemisphere. A term coined by sailors in the 17th century, the “Roaring Forties” is a stretch renowned for powerful and persistent winds, which are notorious for their strength and consistency. Teamed with large waves and turbulent sea stages, the Roaring Forties are an iconic and highly respected stretch for ocean sailors.

The fickle winds of Table Bay provide the first challenge for teams as they head south to one of the big features of Leg 3; the rounding of The Cape of Good Hope. The Agulhas Bank provides the next obstacle for teams, as disturbed seas feature where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The rest of the race features stunning seascapes and big conditions with Mother Nature in her raw and powerful glory.

Leg 3 really shows what the Clipper 70 racing yachts are capable of; spinnakers are likely to feature heavily, with teams surfing down huge waves at speeds of 20-30 knots being not uncommon. Racing aside, this leg features an abundance of albatrosses and offers some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the world.