On the eve of the start, there are 66 Mini 6.50 moored at the Vendée Globe pontoon on Port Olonna des Sables d'Olonne . It is activated under heat, between security control, preparations (or repairs). To be ready to start the Transgascogne 2019.
The last race on the Mini 6.50 calendar before the big start for the Mini Transat, the Transgascogne is a must. So essential that - victim of its success - the race management had to open additional places: from 53 available places in 2017, to 75 in 2019
This race is also unique in its format. It is run over two stages with a stopover in Spain and is open to solo sailors and double crews alike - although only 5 boats are registered for the double start this year (3 series and 2 protos)
Like a starting point for Mini Transat
New in 2019, the Transgascogne will send the ministes to Laredo, a Spanish port located halfway between Bilbao and Santander
Sailors appreciate this route as it approaches the beginning of the first stage of the Mini Transat between La Rochelle and the Canaries. A good revision for the next edition, which will be launched in September.
An innovative journey
After the scheduled departure from Les Sables-d'Olonne on July 30, 2019, the fleet was to bypass the Birvideaux lighthouse north of Belle-Île before heading down to Spain. But the start was postponed by one day in order to let a depression and the course slightly modified. Thus the 72 sailboats must now turn around the Ile d'Yeu and the buoy SN-1 positioned at the exit of the Loire estuary. A first stage of 330 strategic miles which requires to study its trajectory according to the currents and the wind, but on a well-known playground.
The second stage will leave Laredo (Spain) on August 5, 2019 to return to Les Sables-d'Olonne after having rolled up the island of Yeu. Shorter (230 miles), this stage will be a big sprint with little strategic opening. The first competitors should complete this stage in just over 24 hours. They will therefore be welcomed in Les Sables from August 6.
The awards ceremony will take place on August 9 and will tell us who will succeed Ian Lipinski on 865-Griffon.fr in proto and Clarisse Cremer 902-TBS in series, the 2 winners of the 2018 edition.
