The Atlantic. There was something in the air as Dare To Lead emerged from the Panama Canal back into the ocean where it all started almost 10 months ago.

“We had a fantastic start (to Race 12),” reported skipper Ryan. “Being the furthest upwind boat (in the Le Mans start) obviously helped but she found her groove early on and we created a nice lead on the pack. Wind increased quicker than expected so, before dawn we reduced sail, like a lot of the fleet, so lost some distance.”

However, Dare To Lead was still in the front pack but unfortunately lost its Yankee headsail sheet which dragged the team back a few places, although all the yachts remained fairly close together. Never-the-less an exciting start and with a good forecast everyone was looking forward to the race ahead.

Ryan added: “The crew are very motivated and energetic for this third to last race of the circumnavigation, so we are sailing hard the next nine to ten days!”

What followed was a ‘typically mixed bag’ of fortunes. As the wind picked up Dare To Lead was one of the first teams to change its headsails, from the biggest Yankee to the medium, which was slightly better upwind.

AQP Charlie observed: “It's always slightly nerve racking being the first in the fleet to make changes, as you drop back a little you give everyone the reference for how well they need to do their change, or if even at all, should you start to go slower than everyone…

“All the boats are still quite bunched up, making for some very tight racing. It never ceases to amaze me just how close all the racing is now, even after 600nm we’re still only a few miles apart.”

And then, they were gone. All of them! The whole fleet went into stealth mode. With a number of optional routes, and a scoring gate looming, this was an interesting 24 hours. Sailing conditions were good passing some nice Caribbean islands (It was suggested they should stop to get some Cuban Cigars and Havana Rum but Ryan decided against it!)

After clearing the Mandatory Gates and waypoints, apart from one left keeping clear of Cape Hatteras, all eyes turned to the finish line 670 nautical miles away. There was a good battle with Perseverance and Our Isles and Oceans trading places, until they both got ahead by about 5 miles as the fleet approached the Ocean Sprint.

Ryan noted that the crew were happy on board and had been sailing the boat exceptionally well: “Energy levels are high on board and we all look forward to the last few days of racing,” he added.

The weather continued to be unpredictable with the most ‘ridiculous wind and sailing conditions’ Charlie had ever come across: “The wind has shifted round more than 180 degrees on multiple occasions. We’ve been wind-holed for hours on end, and then been given 40kt gusts coming through from nowhere.

“We’ve had thick heavy rain, and very confused sea states. All this makes for some incredibly tricky sailing, with numerous sail changes, in every watch. It's safe to say it's been taking its toll on everyone, we're tired and aching from all the work. The crew, however, keep battling on.”

The racing continued very close, remaining neck and neck with Our Isles and Oceans or Perseverance, as the fleet made really good progress towards Washington. The team fought valiantly as they closed on the finish line, edging up the fleet a couple of places to cross the line in 4th place, 24 minutes ahead of Our Isles and Oceans, and 45 minutes in front of Ha Long Bay Viet Nam.

A marvellous Saturday evening sunset washed over the fleet as it started the long transit up the Potomac to the heart of Washington DC. In the early hours of Monday (17 June) as the stars started to fade, the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge lifted in salute to the fleet in full parade mode, the boats were decorated in their flags and banners with team Washington DC taking the lead. There was a fresh dawn air gently warmed by the rising sun, glinting off familiar landmarks including the distinctive domed Capitol building, followed by an incredible welcome at The Wharf.

This means that Dare To Lead remains in 4th place on the overall leaderboard, just 5 and 6 points respectively behind 3rd placed Zhuhai and 2nd placed Perseverance – although they still have their Jokers to play. Ha Long Bay Viet Nam continues at the top, with a total of 116 points.

There is just one leg left in this global series, split into two races, so the challenge is on for the podium at the final race finish back in Portsmouth at the end of July! However, Dare To Lead has demonstrated great spirit and determination throughout this edition of the Clipper Race. Teamwork and leadership in equal measure: Dare! Lead! – Dare! Lead! – Dare! Lead! – Dare To Lead!