This morning’s start was to be monumental, but the reality of witnessing some of the most celebrated and awe-inspiring yachts powering towards you, trailed by an entourage of hundreds of spectator craft and a cloud of helicopters exceeded all expectation. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime event that overshadows anything to go before it.

Stealth, by 1315, was already more than half way round. Although she will be bucking the tide through the Needles and up the Solent to the finish, it is likely that she may break the monohull record for sailing around the Island.

GBR Challenge has held onto their lead, and Australia II, sailed by her original crew, is amongst the leaders of the 12-Metre fleet. ybw and Yachting World will report on the finish, with first-hand experiences from those racing.