Yachting: Big day for Sanderson and crew

An important leg for the New Zealand-skippered ABN AMRO ONE in the Volvo Ocean Race begins this afternoon.

The yachts leave Wellington at 2.30 this afternoon heading out across the Pacific Ocean to round Cape Horn into the Atlantic, ending this gruelling leg of the race in Rio de Janeiro.

ABN AMRO ONE is skippered by Mike Sanderson and is the current race leader.

Sanderson said it is a crucial leg for his crew and they are well aware they must sail well to build on their existing lead.

Sanderson said they're just focusing on themselves and are not worried about the other boats.

He said if he and the crew can get to Rio in one piece, they will have set themselves up to do well in the rest of the race.

- NEWSTALK ZB