Race 2 Day 2: Clipper Race fleet prepare for Atlantic crossing

After an eventful start to the 4,800 mile Race 2 to Rio de Janeiro yesterday, the fleet have been settling back into life on board as each of the 12 racing yachts prepare for first major ocean crossing - The Atlantic.

Currently in first place is GREAT Britain which is storming ahead with less than a mile separating second place Derry~Londonderry~Doire with Invest Africa currently lying in third place.

As second place Derry~Londonderry~Doire  fight to further their lead on the rest of the fleet, skipper Sean McCarter reflects on his triumphant start to Race 2, “We hit the start line at speed and a couple of quick tacks later bore away around the windward mark in first position.

“Our trimmers and helms worked hard on the 30miles fetch out of the bay and we extended our lead on the fleet. Once into the notorious Bay of Biscay, we freed off by 15 degrees and hoisted our heavyweight Asymmetric. Although it took us a while to get moving, it wasn't long before we were touching 13-14 knots Speed over Ground.”

You can track the fleets progress here on the official Race Viewer