Yo ho ho and Pirates lead the dash to Rio

Pirates of the Caribbean led the round-the-world fleet out of Wellington yesterday afternoon. Marty Melville / Getty Images

The boat flying the scull and crossbones charged out of Wellington Harbour first yesterday in the fourth leg of the round-the-world yacht race to Rio de Janeiro.

The fleet set sail in perfect conditions on the longest leg of the Volvo race - a gruelling 22-day journey which takes them back into icy southern ocean then up into the sweltering heat of Rio.

Paul Cayard's Pirates of the Caribbean charged over the start line like a greyhound in the moderate conditions ahead of Mike Sanderson's ABN Amro One and Brasil 1.

By the time they reached Cook Strait, the Pirates had leapt out to a six-minute lead over ABN Amro One.

ABN Amro Two were third a considerable distance behind their teammates, while Brasil 1 and Ericsson were neck and neck.

It was very much an anticlimax for movistar, who incurred a two-hour penalty at the restart after they were forced to make repairs, which are not permitted during pitstops.

Like every departure, yesterday's was emotional.

New Zealander Erle Williams blew kisses to his children from Pirates of the Caribbean before giving them the thumbs up as the boat left the dock.

And the five Kiwis on ABN Amro One, who headed out to the racecourse to the tune of Black Betty, took forever to board their vessel.

ABN Amro One skipper, New Zealander Mike Sanderson, said the teams were leaving Wellington with some apprehension.

The new 21m (70ft) ocean racers - about as spacious as your average bedroom closet - have proved fragile.

An altercation with an iceberg could have dire consequences.

"We are looking forward to getting it over and done with, frankly," Sanderson said of the leg.

"These boats are extreme, fast and wet. This leg will be very hard, so it is with a fair bit of apprehension that we head down there."