Probably the most fast-paced of the entire circumnavigation, this leg offers some of the most varied conditions of the race with challenging, energising close racing. Teams will be tested in the extreme as they adapt to a host of changing sailing and climate conditions.
Traditionally the first Le Mans start of the Clipper Race as the fleet heads north the temperatures begin to soar and as the teams reach the equator the breeze may well drop. High levels of concentration will be needed as every tweak will affect the boat speed and teams with strong light wind sailing skills may use this time to their advantage.
As the teams race from the southern to the northern hemisphere King Neptune returns for the second time. Here Race Crew are likely to witness some spectacular lightning storms and passing squalls can offer some much-needed relief from the heat, but can bring some heavy rain conditions with them.
Continuing north past the equator, the wind will start to build as the fleet enters the North East Monsoon where teams will be looking to pull away from the rest of the fleet.
A hero’s welcome and spectacular ceremony attract huge crowds in each of the Host Ports where you’ll have time to recouperate and experience the richness of the local Asian culture..