The inaugural Challenge Transat started from Cowes on Sunday, with six Challenge 72ft yachts racing to Boston and back. The yachts took advantage of the 10-12 knots of NNE wind with blue skies and sunshine making for a picturesque start.

In total six skippers and six mates will be racing with equally matched crews of men and women from all walks of life and nationality. Nerves, excitement and some tears were shed as the yachts left to motor out into the Solent and towards the start line.

Simon Walker, managing director, Challenge Business, comments: “The start to the race was incredible with the yachts joined by a large procession of boats right up Southampton waters. Crews were working flat out taking advantage of the wind and putting all their hard work into practice as they expertly raised spinnakers on the downwind passage past the start line.

“There’s going to be some full on competition amongst the boats with some skippers boldly claiming they were going to win but now we’ll just have to wait over the next few days and weeks to find out who takes the podium position in first place.”