Gallery: Stormy weather

On Day 16 of the first leg of the BT Global Challenge Spirit of Hong Kong had a hair-raising encounter with the tropical storm Helene.

The crew were caught by surprise when the wind speed built up to force 12 and the yacht began to lean at a dangerous angle.

They managed to regain control and came through the storm with just a few cuts and bruises to show for it.

Tropical storm Helene starts to subside

A still from video shot duing the storm

Choir practice on deck: Rehearsing the American national anthem in time for our arrival in Boston

Hilary sends back dispatches from the video editing suite on board the yacht

Bjorn and Steve the skipper attempt to fix a broken batten in the mainsail