In May 2005 a meeting took place to announce (celebrate) the start of the OSTAR Transatlantic race. The Commodore, competitors and other parties involved were present.

The Commodore took the stand to thank the Sponsors and the Race Committee for getting everyone to the start. In his speech he took them back to 1960, the first Transatlantic race and to Sir Francis Chichester and his historic achievements. The OSTAR, he said, is the original Transatlantic race; it is very complicated to organise and run, but here we were, ready to go!. He mentioned everybody individually: the Coastguards of this country and those of Canada and the US were duly praised. Special thanks went to the Brethren of Trinity House, for making their yacht “Patricia” available on the start line. He extended warm praise to Mike Hockin and his company “Faraday Mill.” Without their help and effort this race could frankly not have taken place. They had been unstinting in their support; without help from people like them racing would disappear from this great port of Plymouth.

Mike Hockin then took the stand. He wished all the competitors “Good Luck!” and made special mention of the youngest of them, 21 year old Hannah White who had started sailing at the early age of 15. “She is very excited about taking part in this historic race,” he said. He commented on the kids who hang about the streets these days and emphasised that the challenges were there for everyone to take up. “I think you are all very brave,” he said to the competitors and raised a laugh by suggesting they might be glad to get away from nagging partners. He ended by saying that more people should be taking up sailing.

Hannah White then added her comments. She said she was happy to take part and thanked everyone for organising the event.