Strong, prevailing winds sweeping across the North Atlantic, an adverse Gulf Stream, hazardous icebergs, dense fog, boil-in-the-bag foods, and only one hour’s sleep at any one time – these are just some of the conditions facing the brave competitors of the 2009 OSTAR.

The world’s oldest solo ocean challenge was first sailed in 1960. Organized by Plymouth’s Royal Western Yacht Club and sponsored by The Observer newspaper, the race known as the OSTAR (Observer Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race) has seen sailors navigate the 2,800 nautical miles from Plymouth, England, to Newport, Rhode Island, every four years for nearly five decades.

The OSTAR was founded by Royal Marine and “Cockleshell Hero” Blondie Hasler and world-circumnavigator Sir Francis Chichester. Hasler aboard the 25-foot junk rig folkboat Jester, lost the first race to Chichester’s 40-foot Gypsy Moth III. Had a sponsor not come forward, the myth is that the two adventurers had waged a half-crown on who would win. Since its inception the OSTAR has become renowned as the ultimate challenge for aspiring professional and amateur yachtsmen. Some of the world’s greatest sailors have taken part including: Eric Tabarly, Pete Goss, Loick Peyron, Francis Joyon, Mike Golding, Michel Desjoyeaux, Ellen MacArthur, and Mike Richey (to whom this article is dedicated).

The original race included just five competitors, but as its reputation grew, the numbers increased dramatically, seeing 125 competitors taking part in the 1976 event. With so many boats involved, rules were revised and the numbers reduced, although the race’s Popularity continued to grow.

The Royal Western Yacht Club has worked hard to maintain the Corinthian roots of the OSTAR in spite of other Trans-Atlantic races aimed at the professional yachtsmen with heavy sponsorship.

This year’s race will see 45 skippers from France, Holland, Italy, Great Britain, Austria, Germany and the USA depart on May 25 from Plymouth, England. Among them is the youngest competitor to have ever taken part in the challenge – the UK’s 18-year-old Oscar Mead. French sailor Anne Caseneuve in her 50-foot trimaran stands a very good chance of winning – thereby becoming the first ever female winner.

Adding extra kudos, excitement and support to the race is 2009 patron His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., who will be starting the race from aboard the Trinity House vessel Galatea.

2009 Race Director David Southwood commented, “The OSTAR has a fascinating history – inspired by legends and sailed by heroes.

The Atlantic is the only judge with skippers often feeling they’re competing with the ocean itself, rather than each other.”

Run in association with the Newport Yacht Club, the OSTAR generates tremendous international attention, drawing competitors from all over the globe and attracting cheering crowds that watch the boats arrive at Newport where the competitors enjoy the great hospitality they receive.

Trackers will be fitted to all boats so those ashore will be able to follow daily progress on the race website www.ostar2009.com. More information about the Royal Western Yacht Club is available at www.rwyc.org