Intro:

Dongfeng Race Team lead as fleet head through tricky waters by Pakistan in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Script:

Leg three of the Volvo Ocean Race left Abu Dhabi and 72 hours later the fleet were dodging the Iranian exclusion zone.

There are five zones that the sailing vessels are not allowed to enter, for safety reason as the race goes across the globe.

This one was in Iranian waters with the Dongfeng Race Team still in the lead.

The Chinese team, and the rest of the fleet, are heading to Sanya in China.

They are now in better wind after the relatively flat conditions of the Gulf and into the more breezy weather off the coast of Pakistan.

But it's not only exclusion zones that the teams have to avoid.

Ian Walker from Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing encountered a very inquisitive naval officer from Pakistan.

Ian Walker, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

"Pakistan naval base go ahead."

Q. What are your intentions, please?

"We are a sailing vessel taking part in a round the world sailing race. We are merely transiting these waters en route to China. Over."

It's not all plain sailing, but Charles Caudrelier of Dongfeng Race Team was pleased to lead the race.

Charles Caudrelier, Dongfeng Race Team

"We are leading the fleet so it's good. (It's a) beautiful night. Flat water. 12 knots of wind. Downwind. Full moon. You can see as during the day."