A PENSIONER has taken to the high seas for a transatlantic race.Geoff Alcorn's craft was one of a fleet of racing boats which left Plymouth Sound yesterday bound for Rhode Island. The Original Single-HandedTransatlantic Race (Ostar), which sees competitors sail 2,700 miles, is held every four years and Mr Alcorn, who is 65, completed it in 43 days in 2009.Race director David Southwood said the race offers sailors a real challenge."The Corinthian spirit of the Ostar, which began in 1960 as a race for keen amateurs, remains strong and this year's fleet, comprising boats between 30ft and 50ft, provides a real mix of highly experienced international sailors," he said."It's an amazing event and in a way the Corinthian element - open to all - from the biggest to the smallest of yachts, the hardened professional to the courageous amateur, is that which makes it as exciting as many of the professional races."Just as in 2009 Mr Alcorn, who is originally from Co Derry, is using the Ostar to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice. ? SAILING: Geoff Alcorn
