Quotes

A number of people have been kind enough to give their thoughts about this historic and evocative race, which has been sailed by some of the sailing greats over the past five decades.

We include some of them below. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences of the ultimate solo ocean racing challenge, please email us.

“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!”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Me and the Oil Lamp

Completing OSTAR 2005 was a profound lesson for me and proved invaluable in getting to know my wee yacht.

The experience of surviving for 21 days without electronic means (due to engine failure) brought mixed feelings and which have been with me since. The days of determination, as the depressing gales bashed and swept from west to east, followed by the dreaded fog and subsequent calm when heading for Newport, Rhode Island, have given me the strength to prepare for my next challenge - around the world.

Once I have been around the world, I will definitely come back, and for sure will be in the OSTAR top five.

Quest ll

Gerry SM Hughes

"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."

Katie Miller - 2009 entrant - who will become the youngest female to ever compete in the race.

“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.”

Pete Goss

“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.”

Mike Golding

"I'm thrilled that THE RACE is getting some much needed publicity. As a 2 time OSTAR competitor I am more than disappointed that a British race organizer claims his race has the solo TA record when that race finished in Boston. Everyone knows that racing to Boston is nothing like rounding Nantucket and finishing in Newport. Poupon has the record as far as I know and the sailing community should be aware of that. Don't let anyone steal your event and play off it!

On a calmer note, I am building a 40 ft tri that originally I thought would be completed for this race. It will be ready for 2013!! Keep up the great work. This race inspired me as a kid living in New Zealand that one day I could do it."

Philip Steggall, Jamestown, RI, USA

"I actually found this qualifying passage incredibly educational for myself in numerous ways, not the least of which was to build personal confidence in one's own ability to be solo (not just to sail solo), the importance of care with diet etc and the processes of taking every opportunity as presented rather than wait until the traditional moments (for example eating, position fixing and of course sleeping). I also learned more about my own boat, which I thought I knew pretty well but the previously dormant "racing head" reappeared and new perspectives, opportunities and tests were examined. I now believe this requirement (the qualifying passage) is of prime importance for potential entrants."

Andy Petty, qualifier for the 2009 OSTAR in 'Jemima Nicholas'.