Leg 6 is unique to the Clipper Race; there’s no other round the world race that ventures into the vast North Pacific Ocean. With teams often encountering hurricane strength winds and waves so big they are classed as ‘phenomenal’ sea states, the white-knuckle Mighty Pacific Leg is the ultimate test of physical endurance and mental fortitude. 

Broken up into stages with tactical sprints in the East China Sea, Yellow Sea and Korea Straits, the start of the leg is made exceptionally challenging by numerous fishing fleets that teams must weave through.

It’s then time for the big one! Race Crew must once again navigate dense fog and Chinese fishing boat fleets and once clear, the North Pacific Ocean awaits. Temperatures will plummet, wind speeds increase and sea states pick up with enormous North Pacific waves enabling teams to get boat speed PBs as they surf down troughs at over 30 knots. 

Crossing the International Date Line is a milestone moment of Leg 6; not only is there much debate on board over what day it is, this roughly marks the halfway point to the East Coast of the USA. Despite the extreme conditions, racing pressure is still very much on during Leg 6. In the past, the racing has been so tightly matched that there have been photo finishes.