Volvo Ocean race 2011/12: busy shipping lanes add unwelcome obstacles from slow boats to and from China There has been a redrawing of this leg with the boats once more being put on a ship and taken to a safe haven to avoid the pirates. In addition, towards the end of the leg, they will be directed a further 20 miles east around the Anambas Islands off the Malaysian coast since there is some piracy activity in the channel between the islands and the mainland. There has been an increase in pirate activity in the Singapore straits though traditionally with lower stakes than the Indian Ocean pirates. "Its going to be a tough leg starting with the sprint at the start to Sharjah," said Mike Sanderson, Team Sanya skipper who will restart his race from the safe haven. The next leg is looking tricky. A lot of upwind sailing buy the looks of it, in confined waters that are unlit with many man made obstacles. "There was plenty of debris last time, especially entering the Straits," added PUMA skipper Ken Read. There are lots of things that are just there. They don't get out of your way - like fishing boats and fishing nets. This is definitely not the most pleasurable leg. The leg starts today from Abu Dhabi with England cricketers Alastair Cook and Graeme Swann, who are in Dubai preparing for England's Test match against Pakistan, set to join the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing boat Azzam. Just before the fleet crosses the start line, the pair will dive off the back of the boat.