Leg 3 of the Global Challenge was won by Sydney skipper Andy Forbes who led his team aboard BG Spirit home to a triumphant victory by crossing the finish at the Sydney Opera House in a time of 7 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 4 seconds.

Just 15 minutes and 20 seconds behind them were SAIC La Jolla – their first podium place – and Me to You an agonising 6 minutes and 20 seconds behind them. This was also Me to You’s first podium place, and the results mean the overall title is still open to much of the fleet.

Pindar, who have suffered a disappointing first two legs crossed the finish in fourth place just 2 minutes and 4 seconds in front of BP Explorer. Sixth place went to Samsung, Spirit of Sark in seventh, Team Stelmar in eighth, Barclays Adventurer taking ninth, VAIO 10th, Team Save the Children in 11th and 12th was Imagine It. Done.

Sir Chay Blyth, executive chairman of race organisers Challenge Business and the inspiration behind the Global Challenge, was there to crack open the Champagne against the backdrop of the magnificent Sydney skyline.

Next stop Cape Town, but for now two weeks of celebration, rest and recuperation for the 12 teams that have now sailed halfway round the world.

Leg 3 Results

1. BG SPIRIT – 7d 2h 11m 4sp>2. SAIC La Jolla – 7d 2h 26 24s

3. Me to You – 7d 2h 32m 48s

4. Pindar – 7d 3h 6m 5s

5. BP Explorer – 7d 3h 8m 9s

6. Samsung – 7d 4h 43m 44s

7. Spirit of Sark – 7d 5h 5m 18s

8. Team Stelmar – 7d 5h 6m 32s

9. Barclays Adventurer – 7d 5h 35m 19s

10. VAIO – 7d 7h 18m 33s

11. Team Save the Children – 7d 8h 28m 49s

12. Imagine It. Done. – 7d 13h 6m 15s

Overall leaderboard will be confirmed after the protest hearing on Monday 15 November.