Emotions ran high at the start of the Volvo Ocean Race around the world as the sailors said goodbye to their families and set off on their epic nine month voyage. The race, which spans five oceans and four continents and covers a total of 37000 nautical miles, is arguably the most hazardous sports event on the planet. The first leg is a 6500nm journey from Alicante to Cape Town, South Africa, with the fleet expected to be at sea for 22 days. Thousands flocked to the Mediterranean port to give the eight yachts a rapturous send-off in front of the King and Queen of Spain and their two daughters. The Volvo Ocean Race consists of 10 legs and will end in St Petersburg, Russia, in June 2009. The eight boats will encounter hurricane-force winds and merciless seas in temperatures ranging from sub-zero to scorching hot on their globe-trotting odyssey, while the tension is heightened by the fear of pirate attacks and hitting icebergs. The crews can expect only a few hours sleep at a day in cramped conditions, while the daily diet consists of only freeze-dried food and desalinated water. When it comes to endurance, there is no greater test than the Volvo Ocean Race.