OSTAR 2009 launches at Southampton Boat Show

The world’s oldest solo ocean challenge, the Original Single Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR), will be launching its 2009 race at 2pm on September 12th on the main stage at this year’s eagerly anticipated Southampton Boat Show. The star studded launch will boast a number of racing greats, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Mike Golding and Pete Goss.

As the Southampton Boat Show celebrates its 40th birthday, the Royal Western Yacht Club (RWYC) will launch 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 can also proudly announce that H.R.H The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T. is patron of the race.

Heading the line-up is 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 is renowned sailor Pete Goss, who is attending 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 are also showing their support for what has become known as the ultimate challenge for amateur sailors. Michael Butterfield, who competed in the OSTAR 1964, is representing the 1960’s, with Richard Clifford representing the 70’s after taking part in the race both in 1972 and 1976 (he also raced again in 1980). Mary Falk represents the 90’s having raced in 1992 and 1996 – although her first OSTAR was in 1988. Mervyn Wheatley embodies the 00’s 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, is also standing 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*.

David Southwood, Race Director of OSTAR 2009, commented: “We are incredibly excited about the 2009 race and we are honoured to have H.R.H The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T. as patron of the race. It is the 13th edition and each time it becomes more exciting. We have some strong competitors already signed up and a few young contestants who will clearly become the sailors of the future.”

“The number of people willing to stand up and proudly announce the launch is testament to the importance of the race and the affection in which it is held. The Southampton Boat Show provides the perfect backdrop to announce the launch with more than 127,000 sailing fanatics set to attend.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston added: “The OSTAR is the ultimate solo challenge for amateur sailors and takes a huge amount of courage and skill to compete. Its history makes for an exciting story - the race is truly inspired by legends and sailed by heroes.”

Katie Miller is eagerly awaiting the challenge ahead of her: “I am very excited about competing in the OSTAR next year. It is THE transatlantic race... testing your sailing ability, courage and, most importantly, your determination to finish. It is the perfect competition to test myself and will provide a very important stepping stone in my sailing career. It is a huge honour to be sailing in the wake of so many sailing greats.”

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.

More information at www.ostar2009.co.uk