Bayer is Foncia's closest rival

Bayer is one of four boats in the pack chasing Foncia, the other three being Banque Populaire, Bonduelle and Groupama

Pre-race favourite Belgacom was well back after losing time by missing the first buoy and having to attempt the turn again.

The oldest boat, Gitana IX, skippered by Thierry Duprey was expectedly last, more than 30 miles behind Foncia after six hours of sailing.

The boats will make their way across the top of the Bay of Biscay, the beginning of the 1,200-mile first leg out to the Azores.

Weather forecasters are predicting a depression arrivin in the next 24 hours which will mean some early decisions for Ellen's skipper, Alain Gautier.

The boats covered more than 100 miles is the fist six hours

Gautier must decide whether to go to the south of the depression on the shortest route, chose a middle route with the risk of no wind zone or take the safe but longer route to the north.

Though the weather is fine, the five-person crew will still need protection from the spray.

Hitting speeds of up to 30 knots, those on deck need to wear goggles and dry suits.

Down below, ear protectors are necessary due to the noise the main hull makes cutting through the waves.

BBC Sport Online will be charting Ellen's progress in this challenging ocean race. Log on for regular position updates and analysis.