Oscar Mead, a well-known sailor on England’s south coast, has been appointed as the Sales and Service agent for UK Sailmakers in the United Kingdom.
Oscar is probably best known as the youngest-ever finisher in the legendary OSTAR race, which goes single-handed across the North Atlantic from Plymouth to Newport Rhode Island when he was just 18-years-old! Not only did he complete the 2009 race, he finished second in his IRC class sailing a J/105 only missing out on the top spot by a mere 20 minutes after 21 days at sea.
In his 25 years, Oscar managed to fit in a degree at Southampton Solent University in naval architecture, rebuild a Quarter Tonner and do the bow on the fourth-place finisher at the Etchells Worlds in Cowes in 2007.
For the last two years, Oscar has been sailing 18-foot skiffs and before that he sailed Open 60s competing in the Fastent Race as well as working with several teams on their campaigns.
Within the marine industry, Oscar made a splash two years ago when he went public with his Back Tow safety harness and lifejacket design that he plans to bring to market this summer. Inspired by a tragedy in the English Channel, Oscar invented a revolutionary safety harness that prevents a user from drowning if they fall off a fast moving boat while still clipped on.
Oscar will operate the UK sales office through his TeamO Marine Limited business, which is based in Southampton and can be contacted at Oscar@UKsailmakers.com
“UK Sailmakers welcomes Oscar to our group of nearly 50 sail lofts and service centers around the world.” His offshore experience will be great help to both racing and cruising customers. Even though he is still young, he is truly wise beyond his years when it comes to offshore sailing,” said UK Sailmakers International’s General Manager Adam Loory.
UK Sailmakers specializes in IRC racing sails and cruising sails, both of which deliver great value and performance.
