Although the start for the OSTAR happened a few days ago, the images that follow were shot on Sunday 24th May 2009, the evening before Hannah set sail…
I turned up in Plymouth on the evening of Sunday 24th May, 2009, the day before the start of the Original Single Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR). I found Hannah and all her supporters a little way down the deck sharing a drink ahead of the big day. All around the other sailors were finishing their last day preparations it was a scene of organised chaos, with sails being folded and packed, lots of arm wavings and shoutings (mostly Italian!) mingling into the soft clinks as the boats rolled softly in the harbour swell. Periodically I had to jump to one side as piles food, clothes and gallons and gallons of fresh water were ferried to and fro on bulging trolleys, plastic bottles squeaking as they trundle along the jetty. Take a closer peek and I’d often spot the odd home comfort for the long voyage ahead, but this was usually limited to a small teddy bear due to the need to save weight though!
This was the first time I was to see her boat up-close and ‘in the flesh’ and it’s an impressive sight. With large logos across the bow and stern it sat alongside its fellow competitors ready and waiting for the challenge ahead. I was lucky to get a quick tour of the boat too, that’s to say I peered into the surprisingly roomy cabin – Hannah’s home from home for the next few weeks. Inside, the control hub of navigation and communication equipment bleeped and pinged quietly letting you know all was working just right. Further up into the bows, spare sails and ropes were waiting for their turn, around the corner were a couple of rudimentary bunks…I wondered how long she’ll get to use those!
Before I knew it the crowds had dwindled and I was there alone on the jetty taking in all that’s happened in the last hour or so. Hannah is surrounded by some very experienced sailors, many of whom were there to wish her well but more importantly I know she’s not entirely alone out there right now. She’ll be steaming into Newport in no time!
[part ii: Crossing the Line, coming soon!]