Race update 6: Friday 26 Sept 1400hrs

Finally the fleet are underway

The race to Funchal finally began at 1200hrs GMT today, 26 September, at position 37°32'N 011°35'W.

All classes crossed the start line together, and with the exception of Pogoria (Poland), Challenger 1 (UK) and Challenger 4 (UK), all had crossed the line within 22 minutes of the start time.

Pogoria and the two Challenger boats have been instructed that they must cross the start line within 24 hours to be eligible to race.    Pogoria was delayed due to a late crew change, and the Challenger boats had diverted off the course to collect more fuel.

First across the line, and within 40 seconds of the start, was Endeavour (UK) - pictured top- , obviously also first in the combined B, C and D Class.  Second across in that class was Quero Quero (Portugal) followed by Spaniel (Latvia) in third.

First Class A ship across the line was Creoula (Portugal)  - pictured - followed by Astrid (Netherlands) and Mir (Russia) in second and third place respectively. 

A further report will follow after the first race communications report this evening.