Start
The competitors have to sail through capricious waters of Biscay Bay, then the head for south along Portuguese and Morocco cast where they enter the north-eastern trade wind zone. After 7 to 9 days first sailors report in Funchal marina in Madeira.

Second Leg
After few-days break the second leg starts. First they sail in trade wind zone, and then they enter in equator convergence zone. There is often no wind or very strong stormy gusts. Further into south the second trade wind zone starts, and sailing is more predicable until the finish in Salvador de Bahia. The second leg should take three weeks.