Boris Herrmann leads The Ocean Race Atlantic after flying start in new Malizia 4

The six-boat fleet officially began its journey from New York to Lorient on Wednesday, with Herrmann's crew leading across the start line before continuing to set the pace during the opening stages of the transatlantic race.

Team Malizia also won the first Super Sprint of the competition, a 20-minute speed contest held within the wider race, to provide an early indication of the potential of their new IMOCA yacht.

But with around 3,000 nautical miles of Atlantic Ocean still to negotiate and the entire fleet separated by only around 30 nautical miles in the latest race update, the battle for Lorient is only beginning.

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Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia make fast start

Team Malizia has been among the boats to watch since the fleet finally crossed the official start line around 150 nautical miles offshore from New York.

After light winds delayed the start, the six IMOCA yachts were released into much stronger conditions, with 17 to 18 knots of north-easterly wind allowing the boats to accelerate away.

Herrmann and his crew led the fleet across the line before establishing themselves at the front during the opening hours.

The German skipper is joined aboard Malizia 4 by Cole Brauer, Justine Mettraux and Julien Villion, with Gauthier Lebec serving as the team's onboard reporter.

Their early speed was underlined during the first Super Sprint, with Team Malizia topping the standings ahead of DMG MORI Sailing Team and Embrace the Challenge.

It is an encouraging beginning for a boat competing in its first official race.

Malizia 4 impresses on racing debut

The Ocean Race

Malizia 4 was launched only in July and The Ocean Race Atlantic represents its first opportunity to race directly against rival IMOCA yachts.

The early performance has already caught the attention of the competition.

Francesca Clapcich, skipper of Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing, suggested Malizia was showing particularly impressive speed during the opening stages.

"Malizia seems to be setting a different pace from anyone else, and maybe that's the performance of the new boat," Clapcich said.

However, the early leaderboard could change considerably as the fleet begins tackling the more strategic stages of the Atlantic crossing.

After initially racing south-east from the start, the teams have turned north as they attempt to position themselves for a low-pressure system moving eastwards across the Atlantic.

Connecting with that weather system could allow the boats to accelerate towards Europe, making the decisions taken during the opening days potentially crucial to the outcome of the race.

What happens next in The Ocean Race Atlantic?

Despite Malizia's early advantage, there is little separation between the six teams.

The Ocean Race reported on Thursday morning that the entire fleet remained within around 30 nautical miles as the boats navigated an area of lighter wind.

Conditions are expected to strengthen as the teams move north and attempt to connect with the developing low-pressure system, potentially opening the door to much higher speeds during the crossing.

For Herrmann, the opening stages have nevertheless provided the first competitive indication of what Malizia 4 may be capable of.

The new yacht was built with future editions of The Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe in mind, but its first major examination is happening now, across thousands of miles between New York and Lorient.

And so far, Herrmann and Team Malizia are setting the pace.

How to watch The Ocean Race Atlantic on DAZN

The Ocean Race Atlantic is available to watch live and for free on DAZN worldwide.

Fans can follow the fleet throughout the crossing with a daily 30-minute OnBoard Live programme, featuring coverage directly from the boats.

The daily shows run from September 2-8 at 4pm BST / 5pm CEST / 11am EDT / 3pm UTC.

Watch The Ocean Race free on DAZN.