With a flat sea, clear sky and just a hint from the east that dawn may be approaching, De Franschman crept over the finish line at 0434 EDT this morning. Bart Boosman had fulfilled his dream. He was in Newport RI. Bart had crossed the Atlantic and finished the OSTAR 2009.
A broad grin spread over the Dutchman's face; his unfinished business was sorted.

In 2005 Bart's hopes for the OSTAR were dashed. After years of planning and preparation, disaster struck on the seventh day of racing. His shroud was broken, his mast unsafe, a gale was approaching; he had to abandon the race. A heartbreaking moment and all the more so; in those early hours of the morning, when the disaster struck, Bart was leading his class.

OSTAR 2009 has not been without its moments for Bart. The loss of his fore hatch cover was perhaps the greatest threat this time but the ever resourceful engineer fought back. Bart ripped up his floor boards to make an effective repair which saw him through to Newport (see picture)