Windsurf Classics: "The Trans Atlantic Windsurf Race" from 1998

The idea came to organiser Louie Hubbard when he was adrift in the middle of the Atlantic after his sailing yacht "Ocean Vagabond" sank and was waiting to be rescued. Around four years later, the British skipper realised his dream: seven windsurfing pros set off on a race across the Atlantic. A prehistoric Russian icebreaker was found as a support boat, and each of the riders has their own motorboat for safety.

Yes, it is possible that people risk their lives here."

So much for the theory, but there were still several obstacles to overcome before the start: Sponsors dropping out at short notice, too much luggage, wrong turns on the way to the starting point - when the burglar waiting in the harbour finally comes into view, the applause is huge. What followed then far exceeded the expectations of most of the 70 participants. The launching of the safety boats and equipment alone is a suicide mission every time. Sometimes the rope ladder hangs in the water in metre-high waves, sometimes it floats ten metres above the surface.

The equipment is thrown into the water by helpers at the start, the driver jumps in after them. Changing the rig becomes a challenge, the race sails hang wildly flapping from the crane and have to be brought under control. On the water, too, the race - after a calm start - becomes a fight for survival in the huge waves of the North Atlantic.

Mentally....I'm just scared."

Among the participants are Anders Bringdal, Micah Buzianis and Robert Teriitehau (who made headlines with his jump from the top deck of the icebreaker), and the riders alternate in teams. In the end, everyone arrives more or less intact at the finish line in Portsmouth, UK, and is delighted to have solid ground under their feet again. Hubbard already had his sights set on the next project: a race from Portugal to Brazil in 2000 - which fell victim to a hurricane shortly after the start.

Louie Hubbard has written a book about his personal traumas of sinking and also about the Atlantic race. He is raising money via a crowdfunding campaign to publish 1,000 copies for free: "Louie Hubbard's Silent MAYDAY - In a World of Heroes and Zeros"

More Windsurf Classics:

• "RIP" by Robby Naish
• "The Windsurfing Movie" and "The Windsurfing Movie II"
• "The new style" - the funboard video from surf
• "About Time" with Jason Polakow
• "The Aloha Man" with Josh Stone