Conrad Humphreys: Two-handed race

Humphreys left the French port of Le Havre for Salvador in Brazil in the most high-profile transatlantic event of the year.

Up to 30 other competitors were expected to enter, including the British sailing heroines Ellen MacArthur and Emma Richards.

Mr Humphreys, 30, who lives in Plymouth, is sailing the 15m-long Hellomoto with Southampton-based Paul Larsen. The race should take about three weeks.

The race route is fantastic, very tough and very tactical Conrad Humphreys

Humphreys, a veteran of round-Britain and Fastnet races, said: "This will be my first two-handed transatlantic race after the Route du Rhum in 2002.

"The advantages are being able to push the yacht much harder than on your own and being able to share an amazing experience with another person.

"The race route is fantastic, very tough and very tactical.

"It has everything from North Atlantic storms to fast downwind trades and the sweltering heat of the tropics.

"There are lots of opportunities to make a break from the fleet and many tactical options."