Gathering of the clans

OSTAR 2009 presented at Southampton Boat Show

The world’s oldest solo ocean challenge, the Original Single Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR), launched its 2009 race on Friday to a substantial and eager crowd at this year’s Southampton Boat Show.

The star studded launch included talks from racing greats including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Mike Golding and Pete Goss.

As the Southampton Boat Show celebrated its 40th birthday, the Royal Western Yacht Club (RWYC) launched the OSTAR 2009 with a number of competitors in attendance, which date back through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. The RWYC also proudly announced that H.R.H The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T. is patron of the race.

Heading the line-up was guest speaker Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, most famously known for being the first person to sail single handed and non-stop around the world (1968-1969). Joining Sir Robin on-stage was renowned sailor Pete Goss, who attended the Boat Show with his newest boat Spirit of Mystery, and Mike Golding. Mike Golding is one of the few sailors to have raced around the world non-stop in both directions. He also held the solo record for sailing round the world westabout (the most challenging direction for circumnavigation) between 1994 and 2000.

Previous competitors dating back over 40 years also showed their support for what has become known as the ultimate challenge for amateur sailors. Mike Butterfield, who competed in the OSTAR 1964, represented the 1960s, with Richard Clifford representing the 1970s after taking part in the race both in 1972 and 1976 (he also raced again in 1980). Mary Falk represented the 1990s having raced in 1992 and 1996 – although her first OSTAR was in 1988. Mervyn Wheatley embodied the 2000s following his part in the OSTAR 2000 and OSTAR 2005.

Racing throughout the decades is sailor and supporter Peter Crowther. Peter is no stranger to the OSTAR having taken part in 1972, ‘76,’ 88,’ 92,’96,’00 and 2005. He is also in the qualifying stages to make the OSTAR 2009.

Southampton Boat Show’s ambassador, Katie Miller, stood on-stage to announce the launch. Katie is already signed up to take part in OSTAR 2009. Racing against Katie will be Oscar Mead. At just 18 years old, Oscar will be the youngest competitor to have ever taken part in the trans-Atlantic race.

This star studded launch is testament to the appeal of the race and its history of providing offshore yachtsmen with the ultimate challenge. Setting off from Plymouth, the competitors must battle the prevailing winds of the north Atlantic, travelling 3,000 nautical miles to Newport, Rhode Island.  Up to 50 yachts take part in every race, which take place every four years*.

After the launch Sir Robin Knox-Johnston commented: “The OSTAR is a nursery for single-handed sailors. It is fantastic to see its profile being raised once again and it is important that we support a race so historical and appropriate. Well done Royal Western Yacht Club!”

Pete Goss added: “The OSTAR is the seed that instigated the start of so many races. It is a real gem of a race and has recently been drowned out – it is brilliant to see it is once again getting the recognition it deserves.”

Strengthening the point Mike Golding concluded: “It is great to see THE original Corinthian race coming to the fore, and young people, such as Katie Miller and Oscar Mead, stepping up to the challenge. For me the race was a life changing event and most certainly drove me on to professional sailing.”

The Original Single Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR) is the world’s oldest solo ocean challenge, dating back to 1960. Devised by ‘cockleshell hero’ Blondie Hasler, the race has continued to uphold its Corinthian roots. World circumnavigator Francis Chichester participated in the first race and some of the world’s greatest sailors have taken part since, including; Eric Tabarly, Elain Colas, Pete Goss, Loick Peyron, Françis Joyon, Mike Golding and Ellen MacArthur.