The grand parade down the coast to Little Qingdao Island is over and the fleet are now back off the Olympic Sailing Centre. Forestay banners are being taken down and sail plans considered.

    There is breeze - the long line of flags at the marina entrance indicate that, but there is not quite as much as the teams would probably like.

    The sun shines but it is bitterly cold and the wind chill is sharp. The crews have probably never waved to so many people for quite so long, but it's a good way of keeping warm. Jamaica Lightning Bolt skipper Peter Stirling and his crew are attending to a minor issue with a main sail slider but race start at 13.30 local (GMT +8) remains and the next 15 minutes will be lively ones.

    More to follow.

    0518 GMT

    The ten minute signal has just been sounded and Jamaica Lighnting Bolt's main sail is now up and sorted. Cape Breton Island are putting in a series of tacks with a full main, Yankee 2 and staysail.

    California have gone for their Yankee 1 and championship leader Spirit of Australia has tried to show her hand. Ditto the local boat and Qingdao skipper Chris Stanmore major would dearly love to get line honours in front of the huge home crowd. The clock is ticking...

    0523 GMT

    T minus five minutes and counting. There is a huge spectator fleet that are holding back at a respectful distance to watch the action. All have the arsenal of sails selected and it's either Yankee 1s or 2s across the fleet.

    Uniquely Singapore, Cape Breton Island, Spirit of Australia, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital and Hull & Humber are in one close cluster. Jamaica Lightning Bolt is on her own and Qingdao and California are shadowing each other. Brace yourself for five weeks of action!

    0530 GMT

    They are off and it's a beat to the first mark. California looks nicely powered up and will shortly need to tack. Hull & Humber have just down so and now is on the losing tack to the mark. But so is everyone else. Jamaica Lightning Bolt will be the last to tack but when she does, she will be closest to the shore. It's all nip and tuck to the first mark but they are all trucking along nicely.

    0539 GMT

    At the first mark it's Hull & Humber, Qingdao, California, Spirit of Australia, Cape Breton Island, Jamaica Lightning Bolt, Uniquely Singapore and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital. Hull & Humber have been rapid in going for a kite hoist - great teamwork there - and it’s tightly sheeted in on almost a beam reach. The sun is fully out and they make a lovely sight.

    0600 GMT

    In a 15 knot breeze from the north Race 7 of Clipper 09-10 is underway. Having taken line honours into Qingdao Spirit of Australia immediately showed they are a force to be reckoned with by crossing the start line in first place. Hot on their heels were the two North American entries, Cape Breton Island and California with Uniquely Singapore, Hull & Humber, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, Qingdao and Jamaica Lightning Bolt completing the order across the line.

    As they approach the first mark Hull & Humber has moved into the lead with Qingdao in second place, much to the delight of the home crowd. Next round the mark is California with Spirit of Australia just rounding ahead Cape Breton Island. Next is Jamaica Lightning Bolt, the only team to opt for their Yankee 1, followed by Uniquely Singapore and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital.

    As the teams start to head out into open water Hull & Humber are the first to hoist their medium weight spinnaker.