Would you do the OSTAR and if so, in what?

[dralex]

There's an interesting collection of boats owned by normal people starting the OSTAR this year. Would you enter, and if so would you use your own boat or try and borrow one.

Personally, I have this little gnawing feeling at the back of my mind that it is something I would like to aspire to in the future, not to try and be up there in the medals, but just for the sake of doing it. I potentially could even do it in my current boat. I'm not sure what minimum size of boat would make me feel comfortable.

Bon voyage to all of them.

 

[ChrisE]

The best craft for going to windward across the Atlantic is a 747.

My hat is off to the competitors and I wish them all a safe and fast passage.

 

[ridgy]

Not nearly as interesting a collection as there will be for next years Jester Challenge; max length 30' with no rules or scrutineering....

 

[MrG_2]

I'd be happier doing it in my own boat. You get to know the foibles.
There's also the point that you know how and what standard
the maintenance is up to...

 

[Koeketiene]

Would consider taking part in Yanita. Next OSTAR's in 2009 - the year I retire. Who knows?

 

[snowleopard]

I did.

I built a 39 ft tri for the job. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to iron out problems I had to do my qualifier in April in a F9 and the steering quadrant snapped during the race so I had to retire.

I considered entering this year in my present cat but decided I didn't have the time and going to windward for 3000 miles holds a lot less appeal that it did when I was in my 20's.

If I were choosing a boat for the event I would go for either another tri or something like an Open 50.

 

[dralex]

There's a very nice open 40 entered which would be relatively more affordable.

 

[StellaGirl]

Pogo 40 - my dream boat.....new Class 40 design

 

[Twister_Ken]

No way

Absolutely not. Not enough pubs and restaurants for overnight stops.

 

[dralex]

Any pictures?

 

[StellaGirl]

Here is a little peak...I have lots more pics though....

 

[jerryat]

I agree. I'd also do it in my own boat for the same reasons, and I know she can do ocean passages safely.

Cheers Jerry

 

[pessimist]

Certainly, carpet slippers for preference.

 

[pragmatist]

Re: No way

Do what Michael Richey did and ship a few crates of your own !

 

[dralex]

That looks really fun- looks more like a downwind crazy boat. Does it have retractable bowsprit etc ie is it a bigger version of the Mini transat Boats?

 

[bobfrost]

[ QUOTE ]
Not nearly as interesting a collection as there will be for next years Jester Challenge; max length 30' with no rules or scrutineering....

[/ QUOTE ]

IMHO Ridgy is right. Seriously considering the one after next years in 26' Contessa.

 

[StellaGirl]

Yep assymetric boat with bowsprit. Sea trials look good with 17kts boat speed acheived easily. Not so sure about it upwind but time will tell as this if the first boat built....

 

[britishbeagle]

Hi Dralex, that's what I set out to do, time ticks away and now I'm three months before the start of my fist OSTAR on my Sigma 36. You can follow the preparations for my race and all the news at this site, www.jamorph.com
Ciao!
M