Mike Horrocks and his crew were delighted to hear they were leading the race as they set off down the Menai Strait, passing both Leopard Clipper and Reflex, who were hard aground. It wasn't to last. By the time they reached the Britannia Bridge Charter Continuum had passed them, bringing their huge 3m oars into play to help them maintain steerage as they passed through. Simply Red were not so lucky, running up hard against Price's Rock, then losing control of the yacht. They sailed backwards and sideways for a while, then ran aground again. This time they were stuck fast for half an hour, unable to move as the tide rose around them. Eventually, the tide lifted them off and they were safely away.