Barclays Adventurer, skippered by Stuart Jackson, took first leg line honours of the Global Challenge 2004/05 on the 33rd day of racing. After 6,000 miles they were a mere 15 minutes in front of VAIO, skippered by Amedeo Sorrentino.

Barclays Adventurer crossed the finish line and the exhausted crew collapsed into one another’s arms in sheer delight. VAIO crossed the finish line thrilled to have taken 2nd place after such a momentous fight in the first leg.

The yachts were racing for over 760 hours but it was just two miles and 15 minutes that separated the front two yachts, making it the closest and most competitive leg in the event’s history. Samsung crossed the line in 3rd place.