Spotlight on Leg 5: A tactical multi-stage challenge through the tropics

Renowned for its challenging conditions and energising close racing, Leg 5 is a multi-stage leg on the Clipper Race circumnavigation. With a lengthy first race followed by some fantastic shorter tactical sprinting around Asia, this leg is full of diversity. You can expect to visit two hemispheres, face many big navigational challenges, endure marathon sailing and short, sharp, sprinting and soak up the culture at Host Ports in Australia and Asia. It is certainly not one to be missed.

This leg begins by launching northward from the East Coast of Australia, and although it may start off upwind into North Easterlies, the winds will slowly veer more to the east as you make your way towards the doldrums, giving some amazing fast sailing.

One thing that’s for certain is that this leg is hot, very hot. As you make your way through the doldrums corridor, there will be plenty of excitement for the equator crossing, where for the circumnavigators, this will be their return to the Northern Hemisphere. There will no doubt be a visit from King Neptune on board, as he initiates the Pollywogs into Shellbacks in a fun-filled ceremony to celebrate the naval tradition.

It's at this point you’re also likely to start noticing a turn in the weather. Spectacular lightning storms and squalls offer some relief from the heat but also bring with them some heavy conditions.

Image: A waterspout seen on Leg 5 of the 2023-24 edition

Once in the Northern Hemisphere, you will be heading northwest for around 3,000 miles leaving Micronesia and Guam to the north. You will have some great spinnaker sailing in the tropics, where plenty of marvellous wildlife will start to say hello, especially the overconfident flying fish that are sure to make themselves known to all on board. As you finally approach the northern islands of the Philippines, you will pass through the Luzon Strait and dip into the South China Sea. This is where all crew need to keep a sharp lookout and think on their feet with an immense amount of traffic and fishing activity to spice things up.

Deputy Race Director, Max Rivers, skippered the Our Isles and Oceans team around the world on the most recent Clipper Race edition. He describes Leg 5 as an “outstanding leg with challenging conditions”. When asked what diversity Leg 5 offers to Race Crew he said: “Leg 5 offers the opportunity to race from the stunning East Coast of Australia, where tricky currents and weather patterns make racing feel like a chess board, into the Pacific Ocean for the first time on the race.

Image: Plenty of spicy conditons to be had on Leg 5

“You will encounter amazing tropical storms and squalls as you speed towards the equator, where racing slows down due to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). After crossing the equator and being welcomed into the court of King Neptune, you will enter the ever-consistent trade winds. Race Crew will experience some high consistent speeds as the fleet heads towards the Luzon Strait and into the South China Sea. As fishing boats and local traffic come into view, you begin to look forward to the amazing cultural welcome of Southeast Asia. An outstanding leg that provides challenging conditions alongside stunning clear nights to view both Southern and Northern hemisphere skies.”On top of all the varied sailing opportunity, Leg 5 is multi-stage – meaning if soaking up culture is high on your agenda then it’s the leg for you as you maximise stopover time between the racing.

Hannha Brewis, Skipper of the Washington, DC yacht on the 2023-24 edition said: “Leg 5 offers the most unique stopovers, with extravagant cultural arrival ceremonies, prizegiving banquets and departure ceremonies filled with stage performers, music, dragon dancers, gifts, capes, hats, fireworks and so much more.

“Between the celebrations, there are chances to explore the local area, enjoy the food and drink and soak up all that the destination has to offer.”

Image: Departing Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam on the Clipper 2023-24 Race

The beauty of Leg 5 is variety. And although there is no big ocean crossing, participants won’t miss out on any action as one thing is for sure, Leg 5 will definitely test you.

Clipper Race Director, Dale Smyth concludes: “Anyone sailing on Leg 5 needs to be up for a bit of everything: upwind, downwind, southerly busters and squalls. And Race Crew will find the best sailing possible past incredible islands groups like Papua New Guinea and Micronesia. This is one not to be missed!

There are still places available for Leg 5 of the Clipper 2025-26 Race. Take the first step on the Race of Your Life here.