Competitors from across the world have started arriving in Plymouth as the countdown begins to the spectacular trans-Atlantic yacht race. So far a total of eight competitiors from the UK, the US, France and Holland have arrived at the race village at Queen Anne's Battery in preparation for the Faraday Mill Original Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR) which starts on Sunday May 29. For some of the competitors, simply arriving in Plymouth having completed the 500-mile qualification passage was a relief. To others- namely race favourite Ross Hobson- it was a nightmare. Despite the fact that the race is still a week and a half away, the drama has already began. Earlier this month the record-breaking yachtsman's newly fitted trimaran Mollymawk struck a semi-submerged object on the approach to Plymouth Sound. The force of the impact damaged part of the vessel's hull, daggerboard and rudder. As if that was'nt bad enough, a few days later Ross was also lucky to escape with his life when he was involved in a car accident. The van he was driving contained equipment and spares for the yacht. Ross said he just could'nt believe what had happended at this crucial stage of his campaign. About 40 competitors are taking part in the 2,800 mile race bewteen Plymouth and Newport Rhode Island. Members of the public can visit the race village now.