HAMPSHIRE'S up and coming solo sailors are being put through their paces in the Original Singlehanded Transatlantic Race - and they're just two days in.

Solent University students Oscar Mead and Katie Miller both reported gale force winds overnight as they headed towards Lands End, having left Plymouth bound for Newport, Rhode Island, on Monday.

Oscar, 18, the youngest ever competitor in the OSTAR, said: "It was a wild night out in the race course, less a race course for King Of Shaves, more a survival course.

"I was down to the Number 4 and no mainsail overnight (and still am) with winds topping out at 45 knots.

"Now down to early 30s.

"Completely OTT for my little boat.

"I am swimming in water down below and there is stuff everywhere.

"The cooker has jumped off its mounts and there is no way I can stand up."

Katie, 21, the youngest ever female competitor, said the racer had so far been a wet one onboard her yacht BluQube.

She said: "There were a few moments last night as the wind built, involving quantities of water into my oilies or into my face.

"Now is a bad time to back track against my anti-spray hood stance, I'm just happy my Henri Lloyds are keeping me so dry and warm.

"I managed a couple of short naps last night, and a couple more this morning.

"I always feel happier sleeping in the day, even though it is naturally easier at night.

"For some reason I am more confident of being seen in the daylight , although once in the Atlantic I intend to unleash my Lopolight masthead strobe on the earth then I can feel happy sleeping whenever."