THEY will face mountainous seas, gale force winds and three weeks alone at sea – and all just days after sitting end of term exams.
Two Hampshire students will today sail into the record books as the youngest ever man and woman to compete in the Original Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR), the world’s oldest solo sailing challenge.
While youngsters throughout the country will be celebrating the end of the summer term, Solent University students Oscar Mead and Katie Miller will be battling the elements in the gruelling 3,000-mile race across the pond.
The rising stars have already been tipped as the next Mike Golding and Ellen MacArthur, two of the most respected sailors in the world.
At just 18, Oscar is the youngest ever person to enter the race, which was first held in 1960 and has been a stepping stone for some of the biggest names in singlehanded sailing.
The first-year yacht and powercraft design student, who was born and grew up in Hong Kong but now lives in Cowes, said: “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.
“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.”
Katie is the youngest ever female entrant, taking the title previously held by 25-year-old Lymington sailor Hannah White, also racing this year.
The 21-year-old yacht production and surveying student said: “I’m not nervous – 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.”
At 12.30pm, Prince Phillip will start the race – and Katie and Oscar will join 34 other racers heading out of Plymouth bound for Newport, Rhode Island.
The pair already have the backing of Hampshire ocean racing legends Mike Golding and Sir Robin Knox Johnston.
Mike said: “It is great to see the original Corinthian race coming to the fore, and young people such as Katie and Oscar stepping up to the challenge.”
Sir Robin said: “Katie, Oscar and Hannah are proof that you can do anything you like if you have the determination.”
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