The pressure is on for the final leg of the Clipper Race circumnavigation, with just one ocean crossing and a sprint standing in the way of the Finish Line. The competition reaches new levels during Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming. Multi-leg crew will be well into the swing of running and racing the Clipper 70 yachts, and fresh ‘single leggers’ will bring new energy to fire through the final stages.

This energy will be needed, as it's not uncommon for the final leaderboard positions to be decided upon during the final stage of the race.

Departing the east coast of the USA, teams will head north towards Canada, encountering dropping temperatures and patches of fog as they near the Grand Banks south of Newfoundland.

Whilst the end might seem in touching distance, there is plenty of action-packed racing to enjoy with the North Atlantic Ocean throwing in some big conditions and challenges. In fact, the North Atlantic can serve up conditions not dissimilar to the Pacific with high winds and big waves. There is usually some fantastic downwind sailing to be had, and teams can record high boat speeds so long as they have looked after their spinnakers!

Having crossed every line of longitude, the Race Crews will have just one more sprint back to the finish port. With everything to play for, this short, sharp power race might make the difference in overall leaderboard and even podium-finish positions. But teams will need to be vigilant as UK waters are known for their strong tides and high volume of traffic.

Whilst crossing the finish line might mark the end of the circumnavigation, those on board will get to soak in the energy and emotion of Race Finish celebrations and keep memories of everything achieved and endured, with them for a lifetime.