It is highly likely, given the quality and density of the field, that the race will be decided in this last section.

Though nowhere near as hostile as the open ocean, picking the right course through the complexities of the Mediterranean, that object of obsession for meteorologists and yachtsmen, can be much harder.

The route follows the Spanish coast northwards and the aim will be to know how far to sail from the shore so as to benefit from the most constant wind while keeping a close eye out for the heavy merchant traffic that plies this route.

The sea breezes may vary wildy depending in the time of day due to the considerable differences in temperature between the cold sea and the mainland, which can become very hot in the afternoon.

>> More Challenge Mondial information from the BBC Weather Centre