Chas Taylor, 27, said: "For a few days before we set off everyone was a bit edgy and quiet - wondering what is was really going to be like."

It was the most amazing match racing I have ever done

Stephen Wilkins Skipper

Waving off the rest of the team from BA was crew member Richard Thorpe, 37, a British freight manager who now lives in New Zealand.

He slipped and broke his arm playing football during the stopover which meant his dream of circumnavigating the world was over - at least for this year.

He said: "I had spent years of my life working towards this goal and a stupid game of football just wrecked it. All my dreams down a big black hole.

"But I have already put my name down to complete the leg I missed in the next race and plan to rejoin the team in Wellington."

Close finish

The charge down the Argentinean coast saw Spirit of Hong Kong claw its way up the fleet and after eight days at sea was less than a mile behind leader Norwich Union.

After nearly 2,000 miles of racing, only five miles separated the first five yachts as they found themselves battling through the straits of Le Maire.

Skipper Steve Wilkins: 'Passionate' about sailing

Skipper Stephen Wilkins, 36, said: "It was the most amazing match racing I have ever done. Sailing through this channel renowned for some of the worst weather and seas in the world and a horrible tidal rip which flows up to eight knots at flood tide."

Rounding Cape Horn in second place in a south-westerly gale, the crew was given a taste of things to come.

Mario Parent, 35, said: "It was cold, wet and we were all feeling quite miserable. "

e-mail proposal

But some of the crew of the Spirit of Hong Kong had other things to occupy their mind.

Jennie Jackson, 47, proposed to her boyfriend Stuart Whyte, 33, a former crew volunteer on BP by e-mail three weeks into Leg Three.

He said yes and was waiting at the docks with a diamond ring to greet her when the boat finally docked in Wellington.

Former postwoman Jennie said: "He is just such a lovely man - too good to let away."

However coming in tenth after the team's superb runner-up place in leg two was a bitter pill to swallow. Rival yacht Veritas even managed to sneak past them at the finishing line.

Skipper Stephen Wilkins said: "I take responsibility for where the boat comes in. I'm very passionate about my sailing and take it very personally.

"Southern Ocean legs are tough legs. I expect a lot from my crew but there are certain things that I won't expect too much of and in the tough conditions I'll only push the crew so hard because at the end of the day they're here to enjoy themselves."