Just been doing a little checking so here is some info for you.
The start time seems to vary. If you are not logged on at the start dont worry, you will start on auto and begin racing. This will stop the forst time you log on after the start, you will need to take control then.
As such, dont just log on to see whats happening unless you have timme to sort yourself out, a couple of minutes at the traffic lights on your phone is not advised.
Bear in mind that the favourites are pretty much logged on all the time and react very quickly to the weather patterns, following their track a hundred miles behind is not always the best option.
Remember to zoom in ahead of you, in some areas there are lots of small islands and rocks to catch you out.
Trade winds rock but crossing the equator can be a real pain with very light winds.
Best of luck guys.