The Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race starts from Plymouth on Monday – May 25. In spite of the stormy weather over recent days many of the yachts taking part have arrived in Queen Anne’s Battery Marina and their skipper’s are busy making final preparations to their boats in readiness for the expected upwind battle to Newport.

One of the yachts with the furthest to travel was Rubicon a 44ft yacht that arrived two days ago from the race finish port of Newport Rhode Island. The skipper Peter Bourke has only six days to get ready for the return journey; but in spite of the stormy ride over from Newport he looks more prepared then some of the others.

The race currently has 34 confirmed entries from eight different nationalities. About half the fleet are from Great Britain, five from Italy, four each from Holland and France. Also represented are Ireland, Germany, Austria and the USA.

OSTAR 2009 is organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club which has run the race every four years since 1960. The race is now aimed at mainly amateur sailors who wish to take on the North Atlantic on their own, or aspiring professionals seeking to take the first step on the ladder with perhaps an entry in the Vendee their ultimate goal.

Every yacht will be fitted with a satellite tracker so the progress of the race can be watched on the race website .