Hannah White confirms OSTAR entry

Having become the youngest ever female competitor four years ago, the 25 year old is back with a Figaro 2

Hannah White, 25 from Lymington, announced today that she will be competing in this year’s OSTAR. Four years after Hannah became the youngest female ever to enter the race, she will be back on the start line of the 2800nm race from Plymouth UK to Newport, RI, just one of two women competing in the 45 strong fleet.

With the support of her recently signed new sponsor PureSolo, Hannah will be racing a Figaro II (aptly named PureSolo) across the Atlantic. The new London-based music company have signed Hannah for this summer to help promote their rapidly growing web-based music recording facility in both the UK and the USA. PureSolo is an online music store for recording personal versions of well-known tracks to own, keep and share.

Elyas Chowdhury of PureSolo commented “We are really thrilled to be partnering Hannah on her OSTAR challenge. She shares the values of freedom, expression and creativity that we embody in our field of musical enjoyment. And we are excited to be virtually sailing in the boat with Hannah, as an ever-present source of inspiration across the ocean.”

Hannah’s campaigns have always reflected her confident personality and this time it’s no different. During the OSTAR, Hannah will be demonstrating PureSolo’s technology as she records personal versions of tracks chosen by people following her progress on her website.

Hannah commented, “I am absolutely delighted to be heading for the OSTAR start-line once again. Four years ago I had to retire with autopilot failure and so the race has always been unfinished business for me. I am totally focused on getting to the USA and having some fun along the way. Music and singing have always been a huge part of my life, and this amazing opportunity with PureSolo will allow me to combine all the things I love. I am now sponsored by a music company, a clothing company, and a vodka company… all I need now is a cosmetics company and it will be a perfect trip!”

The race, hosted by the RWYC every four years, will see the 45 competitors sail against the prevailing winds and current to the East Coast shores of America. This race originated in 1960 with a bet between Blondie Haslar and Francis Chichester of half a crown. The race has upheld its Corinthian roots, providing aspiring professional and amateur sailors with the ultimate challenge.

Hannah’s entry into the 2009 OSTAR is also being supported by Wight Vodka and Global Sportswear Brand, Helly Hansen. Hannah was signed to Helly Hansen’s international sponsorship programme earlier in the year and Hannah became the first British sailor to be signed as an International athlete by the brand.