Pirates lead early on while movistar waited out a two hour penalty. But it was soon business as usual in the Southern Ocean. ABN AMRO ONE made a dramatic swoop south to protect their long term position, Brasil 1 stayed north. Pirates led at the Ice Gates, ABN AMRO ONE was soon back in the lead.

movistar suffered a severe leak and had to head for Argentina for repairs just after the Horn, while the fleet concertinaed to just 50 miles after the Straits of Le Marie. ABN AMRO ONE got away once the fleet was past the Falkland Islands, building on their lead in light winds.

Light winds bedevilled the fleet, but canny tactics keept the leader in front. Right at the end, Brasil 1 in second for a grandstand finish in their home port, were pipped not only by Pirates, but also by ABN AMRO TWO. Ericsson’s poor performance brought the expected leadership changes. movistar suffered a slow trip north.