The mighty Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest expanse of water spanning 63.8 million square miles. Crossing it on board a plane with a luxury reclining seat and a choice of movies will take around 14 hours, racing across it on board a stripped down ocean racing yacht will take close to a month.

“There's the exhilaration of surfing down waves at 22 knots and a renewed respect for Mother Nature in her most beautiful and raw guises,” explained Welcome to Yorkshire skipper Rupert Dean, a year ago.

Leg 6 sees the Clipper Race fleet battle from Qingdao, China to San Francisco Bay during a crossing which could take over 30 days.

“This leg has certainly lived up to its heavy weather billing. For the past two days the fleet has been in the second full-blooded gale of this race, this one more powerful than the first and enabling all to sail in a downwind direction.

“The powerful gusts and bitter cold are very reminiscent of our time in the Southern Ocean. Indeed for much of the time this gale has appeared to be on an even grander scale! Sailing in these conditions fills all on board with a mix of emotions.”

In a year the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race will be taking on the mighty Pacific Ocean. If you are interested in taking part in the Clipper Race, click here to find out how you can. No sailing experience necessary.