EP 175 Crossing the North Atlantic Alone: David Southwell’s OSTAR Victory

In this episode of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with a true legend of the modern sailing era: David Southwell. David recently made headlines by taking first place in the 2024 OSTAR (Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race), one of the most grueling and prestigious solo races in the world. Sailing across the North Atlantic is never a simple feat, but doing it in the month of May means battling unpredictable weather patterns and contrary winds. As Bela notes, it is often considered the "wrong way" and the "wrong time" to be out there, yet that is exactly what the OSTAR demands. David shares the fascinating history of the race, which began in 1960 as a half-crown bet between sailing icons Francis Chichester and Blondie Hassler. From his childhood dreams inspired by Robin Knox-Johnston to his rigorous training in the Bermuda One-Two, David discusses the mental and physical preparation required to win a solo transatlantic race. Whether you are a weekend cruiser or an aspiring ocean racer, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the discipline and "moxie" needed to conquer the open sea alone. Key Takeaways & Highlights The History of OSTAR: Discover how a simple bet in 1960 birthed the original single-handed transatlantic race. The "Wrong Way" Across the Atlantic: Why racing from East to West in May is one of the toughest challenges a sailor can face. American Excellence: David joins an elite list of Americans (including Phil Weld) to ever win this historically French-dominated race. Solo vs. Crewed Racing: Mike and David break down the radical difference between managing a boat with a team versus being the only soul on deck for weeks. Training for Greatness: Insights into using the Bermuda One-Two as a stepping stone for world-class ocean racing. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Sailing and Cruising the East Coast with Bela Musits & Mike Wasserman. 01:03 – The challenge of crossing the North Atlantic in May. 02:18 – Solo vs. Crewed: The reality of long-distance racing. 03:00 – Welcome David Southwell: The 2024 OSTAR Winner. 04:00 – The origins of OSTAR: Francis Chichester and the 1960 bet. 04:30 – French dominance in ocean racing and the story of "Moxy." 05:05 – Inspiration from Robin Knox-Johnston and the Golden Globe Race. 05:12 – Training grounds: The Bermuda One-Two from Newport to Bermuda. Resources Mentioned OSTAR Race Official Site: Learn more about the Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race. Bermuda One-Two: The premier solo/double-handed race from Newport to Bermuda. Sailing Literature: A World of My Own by Robin Knox-Johnston. Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more legendary sailors like David to the podcast. Connect with Us Enjoyed the episode? Hit the Like button on your app! Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike SEO Keywords for YouTube Search OSTAR Race 2024, David Southwell, Bela Musits, solo sailing, transatlantic racing, North Atlantic weather, sailing podcast, Bermuda One-Two, single-handed sailing, East Coast cruising, Newport Rhode Island sailing, Francis Chichester, ocean racing tips, sailing from UK to US. #Sailing #SoloSailing #OSTAR #Transatlantic #OceanRacing #SailingPodcast #CruisingLife