Royal Air Force Yacht Club

From Club Member John Falla -

I have just taken part in the 2009 OSTAR, the Original Single handed Trans-Atlantic Race from Plymouth of Newport, RI, in my Swan 36 Banjaard, in part hoping to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research which this year is celebrating its centenary.

The race is steeped in history and on this occasion was started by Prince Philip on 25^th May. The race initiated the sport of Oceanic Single Handed Racing and has now returned to its Corinthian Roots, and is not about large sponsored entries with huge teams, it is about people from over ten nationalities taking their yachts, mainly small family cruiser racing yachts like mine, and pitting their wits and courage against the unpredictable North Atlantic. It was a great and challenging experience, and one I would recommend to anyone.

There is a comprehensive Blog including photographs and voice recordings "live" from the North Atalntic which covers the whole race which can be navigated from my page www.jamorph.com/blogstar/johnfalla

ed note: who says we haven't got a fine racing tradition then!!