Rob Cumming is one of the youngest competitors in the field

A total of 34 skippers will take part in the Original Single-handed Trans Atlantic Race, which begins at Queen Anne's Battery in Plymouth on Monday.

Competitors from around the world will race to Rhode Island, USA in what is the world's oldest solo sailing race.

David Southwood, the 2009 race director said: "Until the race starts you can really feel the tension building.

"This is one of the most exciting events in the maritime calendar and the world will be watching the progress."

One of the youngest competitors taking part in the event is 19 year old Rob Cumming from Plymouth.

"It's been such a race to get here that in all honesty I'm just happy to be there" he said.

HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh will start the race at 1430 BST.

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