Team Malizia leads the fleet across the equator in leg 4 of The Ocean Race

After departing Itajaí in Brazil, the first few days of the leg presented the sailors with plenty of challenges, as they battled unpredictable weather systems and navigated heavy boat traffic, oil rigs and more exclusion zones. As the fleet made their way north up the Brazilian coastline, Team Malizia and 11^th Hour Racing team traded first and second places and were in sight of each other as they crossed the equator, with only 2 minutes and 3 seconds separating the two boats.

On rounding the northeast corner of Brazil conditions became more favourable, with flat seas and average boat speeds of 23 to 25 knots. You can watch Team Malizia flying through the water:

The next test comes in the form of the doldrums, a notorious area of light winds which could bring with it high temperatures, thunderstorms and potentially a further compression of the fleet.

Will Harris has skippered Malizia – Seaexplorer for both equator crossings in this edition of The Ocean Race, having stepped in for Boris Herrmann during the first passage back in leg 2. He commented: “it’s unbelievably close racing at the moment and feels like it’s a big step in the race even though it’s not counting for anything in terms of points. We have to keep focused and sail fast!”

It is expected the fleet will arrive in Newport around Wednesday, 10 May. Team Malizia currently sits in second place on the scoreboard, having won leg 3. Overall race leaders, Team Holcim-PRB have had to retire from leg 4 after losing their mast early in the leg. They now face a race against time to get their boat and the new mast to Newport ready for the start of leg 5 on Sunday, 21 May.

So far, the margins of victory in each leg of The Ocean Race have been small and with 60% of the points still up for grabs and another double point scoring opportunity in leg 5, there is everything to play for, so watch this space!

For more information and to follow the race, head to Team Malizia's website  and social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram) or visit The Ocean Race website.