Hannah White signs up

Hannah White, 25 from Lymington, will be competing in this year’s OSTAR (Original Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race). Four years after Hannah became the
youngest female ever to enter the race, she will be back on the start
line of the 2800nm race from Plymouth UK to Newport, RI, just one of
two women competing in the 45 strong fleet.

With the support of her recently signed new sponsor PureSolo, Hannah
will be racing a Figaro II (aptly named PureSolo) across the
Atlantic. The new London-based music company have signed Hannah for
this summer to help promote their rapidly growing web-based music
recording facility in both the UK and the USA. PureSolo is an online
music store for recording personal versions of well-known tracks to
own, keep and share.

Elyas Chowdhury of PureSolo commented “We are really thrilled to be
partnering Hannah on her OSTAR challenge. She shares the values of
freedom, expression and creativity that we embody in our field of
musical enjoyment. And we are excited to be virtually sailing in the
boat with Hannah, as an ever-present source of inspiration across the
ocean.”

Hannah’s campaigns have always reflected her confident personality
and this time it’s no different. During the OSTAR, Hannah will be
demonstrating PureSolo’s technology as she records personal versions
of tracks chosen by people following her progress on her website.

Hannah commented, “I am absolutely delighted to be heading for the
OSTAR start-line once again. Four years ago I had to retire with
autopilot failure and so the race has always been unfinished business
for me. I am totally focused on getting to the USA and having some
fun along the way. Music and singing have always been a huge part of
my life, and this amazing opportunity with PureSolo will allow me to
combine all the things I love. I am now sponsored by a music company,
a clothing company, and a vodka company? all I need now is a
cosmetics company and it will be a perfect trip!”

The race, hosted by the RWYC every four years, will see the 45
competitors sail against the prevailing winds and current to the East
Coast shores of America. This race originated in 1960 with a bet
between Blondie Haslar and Francis Chichester of half a crown. The
race has upheld its Corinthian roots, providing aspiring professional
and amateur sailors with the ultimate challenge.

Hannah’s entry into the 2009 OSTAR is also being supported by Wight
Vodka and Global Sportswear Brand, Helly Hansen. Hannah was signed to
Helly Hansen’s international sponsorship programme earlier in the
year and Hannah became the first British sailor to be signed as an
International athlete by the brand.