Thousands of sun bathing spectators at Miami Beach had a perfect view of the dramatic start of the sixth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Swedish SEB crossed the start line as one of the first yachts and six of the eight boats were called back to restart.

Illbruck, Amer One, Tyco, News Corp, Djucie and SEB were on OCS (on course side) at the sound of the starting gun and had to return and re-cross the line.

SEB left Miami with hoisted spinnaker as fifth boat after the most spectacular start in the race so far.

“At this short leg the tactics will be very important. There will not be much room for mistakes and the boats that will get far behind will have problems to catch up”, Krantz said at the dock just before leaving.

The sixth leg between Miami and Baltimore is the first sprint leg in the race and will only take three days to sail. The short leg is worth the same amount of points as the previous long ones.

SEB has strengthened its crew with American Mark Reynolds, double Olympic gold medallist in Star boat. Reynolds will play an important role on the tactical side.

“Over the years I have been sailing quite a lot in Miami and Baltimore. I hope to help both with tactical decisions and behind the wheel”, Reynolds said before SEB left Miami.

The sixth leg is 875 miles long and the boats are estimated to finish in Baltimore on Wednesday 17 April.