The competitors in the 2009 Original Singlehanded Transatlantic Race attended attended a prizegiving for the brutal race in Plymouth on Saturday. Vendee Globe Competitor Steve White presented the awards at the Royal Western Yacht Club.

Will Sayer won the race on handicap in his Sigma 33C, Elmarleen, despite suffering a major breakage in a 35 knot gale on day two that ended the race for six of the 31 competitors.

“The most important thing for me was to complete the race – to win was the icing on the cake,” said Will, a member of Marchwood Yacht Club in Southampton. It was a double celebration for the club, which saw two of its members take part. Will’s friend Rob Craigie came second.

“The relief I felt at the finish line was overwhelming. I suffered a number of breakages along the 3,000 nautical mile challenge from Plymouth to Newport, Rhode Island – the most significant being a broken lower shroud – which could have ended the race for me on day three.”

Will was the OSTAR winner on handicap, while line honours went to Dutchman JanKees Lampe in La Promesse  You can see the Full Results here

PBO published a five-page feature on Will’s preparations for the OSTAR race in June 2009 – you can download a copy for free by clicking on the link:Wreck to Transat racer