Picture gallery: Neptune's challenges

The second leg of the BT Global Challenge race from Boston to Buenos Aires was no easy ride for the crew of Spirit of Hong Kong.

As they made their way across the equator they had to contend with hurricanes, tropical heat, bouts of seasickness and a broken water-maker.

But the crew overcame the obstacles to finish an impressive second place in the hotly-contested leg.

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A Taoist monk blesses the yacht before it sets off

The boats jockey for position leaving Boston harbour

Spirit of Hong Kong surged from the back to the front

Watch leader Bjorn Berger at the wheel

The crew celebrates Halloween

The court of King Neptune assembles

Equatorial first-timers get covered in slops