The Artemis Transat 2012

Created in 1960 by Sir Francis Chichester and Blondie Hasler, and often known until 2004 as the OSTAR, the oldest solo race in history has created the greatest sailing legends over the last four decades – Tabarly, Colas, Birch, Poupon, Peyron, Joyon, Desjoyeaux, and MacArthur to name but a few. This race opened French eyes to what ocean-racing was all about and defined the image of the single-handed sailor.

The 2012 Artemis Transat will be the 14th edition of the race and although the sport of sailing has come a long way since 1960, the oceanic challenge remains the same. It is known for its demands on both the skipper and their boats as they race against the prevailing winds across the North Atlantic which, even in early summer, can propel huge storms and gale force winds into the paths of the competing boats. Then as the fleet close on the Newfoundland coast, the threat of icebergs becomes a reality making the final section of this 2,800-mile race a stressful one for the skippers who are already in a state of mental and physical exhaustion.