Following final goodbyes on the pontoon and a spectacular Parade of Sail, the eleven-strong fleet mustered at the start line ready for the cannon blast to start the Clipper 2023-24 Race.

Light conditions and the Solent’s strong tidal flow made for a particularly tactical start of the circumnavigation. First over the start line, which was just outside the entrance to the south coast’s historic harbour, was Yacht Club Punta del Este, followed by Bekezela Community Foundation and Qingdao.