Gallery: The first week at sea

The first week of the BT Global Challenge has been an exciting one for the crew of Spirit of Hong Kong.The yacht has been in the lead for much of the time and is now battling from second place to regain its position.

Yachts Olympic and Veritas trail in the wake of Spirit of Hong Kong

Crew member David Pinkney at the staysail winch

David stays up on deck to ensure the yacht continuously goes fast

A windblown Hilary Bowden tries her hand at winching

Vincent Gayme, the only Frenchman in the race, at the helm

Steve Wilkins the skipper gets his hands wet