Will Sayer wins OSTAR
by Hyde Sails 2 Jul 2009 09:23 BST
Hyde-powered entry takes overall victory in this classic singlehanded transatlantic race.
29-year-old Will Sayer took overall IRC victory in the singlehanded OSTAR race from Plymouth, UK to Newport, Rhode Island. Sailing the smallest boat in the race, his Sigma 33c, ‘Elmarleen’, Will crossed the finish line in Newport in 16th place on the water to win his class win and take top spot overall.
It was a nail-biting finish for Will as he spent hours stuck in a wind-less hole within sight of the finish line. He explained: “I have learnt quite a few lessons about life through sailing and one of the most important ones is, it’s not over till it’s over.” Will describes that last night as the worst of his life: “Very tired and after 23 days of leading the race I panicked. I looked at the grib files, that made it worse as there was very little wind forecast. It was my idea of hell. I cut up a cupboard door and attached it to a long pole I use to make my lee cloths. I drilled holes in the door, and cable tied it to the pole and started to row. Autopilot on, I paddled and rowed and then looked at the boat speed. The boat speed went from 0.9 to 1.1 – rowing wasn’t worth the effort. I tried rowing again as if my life depended on it and I made next to no difference. This carried on until sunrise, by which time I had reduced the distance by a mile or two. But then the little breath of wind that there was changed direction. It was now on the nose. The tide was starting to turn and with the finish in sight all I could manage was to reach on either tack parallel to the finish line.
“Then as the UK woke up, the text messages started to fly in – ‘Will have you won?’ ‘Where are you?’ It was awful so I turned both my mobile and sat phone off. Then as I hand steered the boat I felt a chill on my face and the direction of the wind changed, I was knocked. Tacking within a few minutes, I then I got the lift of my life - I could lay the finish! I burst into tears and just prayed it would stay. I sailed into the mouth of Newport. I could see both ends of the finish line and I started the short tacks up the eastern side towards the Castle Hill light house. Taking much bigger risks than I ever would normally, sailing within a boat length of the shore, I felt ‘Elmarleen’ and I were invincible. I crossed the line at 1300 UT.” It was enough to give Will not only the class win, but overall IRC victory.
The OSTAR
The OSTAR is the only Oceananic solo race open to amateurs in standard boats. A race with an impressive pedigree, previous competitors have included Ellen MacArthur and Mike Golding. Will says: “The OSTAR is the only option for a sailor wanting to compete in a solo offshore race, without huge financial backing – we race under IRC. It also has got a very long and interesting history with a real Corinthian spirit.” Will’s campaign was a true Corinthian effort, he bought Elmarleen in 2001 and spent five years rebuilding her, eventually leaving his position with electronics company Raymarine in order to compete in the race.
The sails
Obviously Will’s sail choice was crucial; not only was he after race-wining sails, but he needed something he could rely on. What made Will choose Hyde Sails? “Compared with other sailmakers I have dealt with, Hyde’s customer service is fantastic. I am not a big customer, I own a small boat, but I always feel important to them and they always answer my calls quickly. Paul [Paul Austin, Hyde’s Sales Manager] helped me customise my sail wardrobe to suit my sailing and budget and it worked.”
For more information, see www.hydesails.com or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458).