The fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean race from Wellington to Rio de Janeiro started in perfect weather conditions yesterday.

Race leader ABN Amro One trailed Pirates of the Caribbean by around 11 seconds as the boats reached the first turning mark.

ABN Amro Two was in third place, ahead of Brasil I and Ericsson.

Movistar, which won the third leg of the Volvo Ocean race, started the stage two hours after the rest of the fleet following a time penalty incurred for repairing the boat during the pit stop.

The boats are scheduled to arrive in Rio around March 9 at the end of a journey of 6,700 nautical miles.

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