IT is one of the most respected and demanding yacht races in the world - and has propelled countless solo sailors to the top of their game.

Now two Hampshire students are sailing into the record books as the youngest ever man and woman to compete in the Original Singlehanded Atlantic Race, the world's oldest solo sailing challenge.

While youngsters throughout the country will be enjoying end of term celebrations, Solent University students Oscar Mead and Katie Miller will be battling huge waves and gale-force winds in the gruelling 3,000-mile race across the pond.

At just 18, Oscar is the youngest ever person to enter the race, a stepping stone for some of the biggest names in singlehanded sailing including Mike Golding and Ellen MacArthur.

The first-year Yacht and Powercraft Design student, who secured last-minute sponsorship from King of Shaves, said: "The first few days are looking pretty windy so it could well be a baptism of fire.

"Maybe I don't know what I'm letting myself in for - but there's only one way to find out.

"Being the youngest person in the race is great but it's not the title I'm after - I want to be the youngest ever person to finish the race."

Katie, the youngest ever female entrant, will be hoping to equal her victory in last year's BluQube Solo 1000 race.

The 21-year-old Yacht Production and Surveying student said: "I'm just looking at it like any other race.

"I have spent 18 months preparing for this race and I just can't wait to get going."

Among the 36 sailors who will line up in Plymouth will also be 25-year-old Lymington sailor Hannah White, entering the race for the second time.

Four years after she became the youngest ever female to enter the race, she will be back at the start.

She said: "I have one main aim and that's to get to America in one piece.

"If I do it in a decent time then all the better, but it's all about getting there."

Top solo sailors have come out in support of the race, which starts at midday on Monday.

Singlehanded sailing pioneer Sir Robin Knox Johnston said: "The OSTAR is a nursery for single-handed sailors. It is fantastic to see its profile being raised once again and it is important that we support a race so historical and appropriate."

Fellow solo racer Mike Golding added: "It is great to see the original Corinthian race coming to the fore, and young people such as Katie Miller and Oscar Mead stepping up to the challenge.

"For me the race was a life changing event and most certainly drove me on to professional sailing."

Don't miss all the build up to the start of the race in the Daily Echo and online at sailsolent.co.uk. SailSolent will be in Plymouth to bring you all the latest news from on and off the water.