Watch: Blair Tuke's Volvo Ocean Race boat mere metres from catastrophic collision with rival in opening stages of third leg

How's this for a close call?

Just over three hours into the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, Kiwi sailor Blair Tuke and his crew aboard Spanish entry Mapfre came within mere metres of ruining their race to Melbourne after barely missing rivals Dongfeng racing.

The two boats somehow managed to avoid each other just offshore of the Cape of Good Hope having set out for the next leg of the global race from Cape Town.

The fleets have since sailed into the Indian Ocean with Mapfre holding a small lead over the rest of the pack.

The crews are expected to reach Melbourne around Christmas Day.