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Today, 5 June 2020 is the 44th anniversary of the legend Roderick White starting the 1976 OSTAR, sailing Atalanta A146 Bluff single handed across the Atlantic Ocean.
He went on to finish over 61 days later having sailed over 4500 NM.
Here are some more details:
A146 BLUFF – ROD WHITE RACING IN THE 1976 OSTAR
5 June 1976 – Start line – Plymouth.
11 June 1976 – 40° 48’N. 14 W.
18 June 1976 – 42° N. 18.30 W.
25 June 1976 – 40° N. 26.30 W.
2 July 1976 – 37° 30’N. 38 W.
8 July 1976 – 38°N. 46 W.
16 July 1976 – 38° 30’N. 53 W.
23 July 1976 – 35°N. 56.30 W.
30 July 1976 – 35° 30’N. 66 W.
5 August 1976 – 41° 26N. 71.23 W. – Finishing line – Brenton Reef Tower.
Rod White estimated that he had sailed 4500 NM in his 61 day crossing, averaging just over 3 knots. He left the boat with the American section of the AOA, intending to one day sail her back to UK, but he got hooked on round the world races, and sold her to Jonathan Coille, son of Russell Coille, AOA American Rep. Her home port was Annapolis, Maryland. Rod White returned to the UK with a French friend.
Rod White was awarded the 1976 AOA Etchells Trophy.
A146 was sold to Bill Mitchell of Maryland in 1982, who sold her to the current owners, David & Michelle Walworth in September 1984. The Walworths spent many hours restoring Bluff which they renamed Le Bateau Ivre. After her refit she sailed from Chesapeake Bay to Freeport, Long Island, initially kept her at Annapolis, then finally in the American Virgin Islands. David & Michelle Walworth were awarded the 1987 AOA Sinclair Trophy.
The AOA would like to contact Rod White or his family or friends, to get more details of his epic voyage.
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