The 31,600-mile Race

On Sept. 21, 10 boats will set sail from England in the eight-month Whitbread Round the World Race. The U.S. entries are Neil Barth's America's Challenge, George Collins's Chessie Racing and Dennis Conner's Toshiba.

Dates shown are for departures. Boats arrive at the stopovers on different days, but all start the next leg at the same time.

Distances are in nautical miles (one nautical mile=6,075 feet).

START from Southampton 9/21/97

LEG 1
7350 nm
The first leg is the toughest, passing through a full range of weather systems.

Cape Town 11/8/97

LEG 2
4600 nm
On cold legs crew members, trying to limit weight, make do with one set of thermal underwear, creating some foul weather below.

Freemantle 12/13/97

LEG 3
2250 nm

Sydney¼/98