A lack of wind kept the Volvo Ocean Race fleet stranded in the Brazilian port of Itajai for a frustrating hour before they finally began the sixth leg of the nine-month marathon.

The boats are capable of reaching more than 40 knots (75 kph), but the packed docks of spectators had little to view as sailors tried desperately to pick up the merest hint of breeze.

Eventually on Sunday, the Turkish/American boat, Team Alvimedica, led the fleet slowly into the Atlantic for the 5,010-nautical mile stage to Newport, US, which is expected to take up to 20 days to complete.

MAPFRE (Spain) were their closest pursuers followed by overall race leaders Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Team SCA, Dongfeng Race Team and Team Brunel.

Briton Ian Walker and his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew, who lead the points table after Dongfeng failed to complete the fifth leg because of a broken mast, had a miserable start as they found themselves on the wrong side of the starting line and had to perform a turn in slow motion before setting off.

In all, the fleet will sail 38,739 nautical miles (71,745 kilometres), visiting 11 ports before reaching the finish line in June in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Overall standings (after five legs): 1. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (UAE) 9pts; 2. Dongfeng Race Team (CHN) 16;  3. Team Brunel (NED) 18;  4. Team Alvimedica (USA/TUR) 19; 5. MAPFRE (ESP) 20; 6. Team SCA (SWE) 29.
Source: AFP