Miranda Merron completes Artemis Transat

by Sophy Williams on 31 May 2008 Hamble-based Miranda Merron crossed the finish line of the Artemis Transat single-handed yacht race from Plymouth to Marblehead, USA, Friday. She completed her race on the 40-foot yacht ‘40 Degrees’ in 18 days, 19 hours, 19 minutes and 34 seconds.

Just eight months ago, Miranda was struck down by a brain hemorrhage, which momentarily halted her active life of yacht racing, ski touring and mountain climbing. At no point did Miranda give up her dream of continuing her career in professional yacht racing.

Whilst friends and family worried about her physical strength to cope with the monumental task of racing across the Atlantic, Miranda remained determined and undaunted. Not only before the race, but throughout.

When asked if last year’s difficult events slowed her down at all, she said:

'I don't know if I am more tired than normal – it is hard to tell at the end of this kind of race. I am totally exhausted! When I was in Derriford Hospital a few months ago, I didn't know whether that was the end of my yacht racing career. Thanks to the doctors there and at Southampton General, a lot of support from family and friends, and some determination, I am so pleased to have completed this mythical race. I feel very lucky.'

When asked what the best moment of the race was:

'Right now I think, the finish! The whole race has been really diverse and interesting in terms of weather, and the competition amazing - not many fleets where there are several boats separated by so little for so long. Unfortunately I fell out of that group in the end, but it was fun and intense while it lasted. I've seen lots of wildlife on this race too, which has been a real bonus.'

And the worst:

'Spending a day parked in no wind at all, going backwards in the gulf stream, when there should have been some wind, while the competition hardly stopped at all further south. With hindsight if I could do things differently, I would not pick that particular wind hole again!'

And the future:

'Next I’d like to do a round the world race on an Open 60, so if all my sponsors fancy sponsoring me to the tune of £30,000 each that would be fantastic! One final message is, I may be the lucky one who got to race across the Atlantic alone, but there is a team behind ‘40 Degrees’. I would like to publicly thank Alex Sizer for not only the boat preparation, but also for being the rock on the end of the phone at all times. I think I unkindly call when things are bad or there is a problem, rarely just to say hi. A thankless task for Alex.'

'Thanks to the following degrees (the last hard slog to the finish!: 68W Esso – thanks for your local support; 69W Owen Clarke Design - designers of 40 Degrees – she is still in one piece; 70W MT Waters – Tony, you cannot imagine how good this degree is.'

Website - www.40-degrees.co.uk