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The concept
The Mini Transat is an original concept created by Bob Salmon in 1977, originally organized every 4 years. Today it takes place every two years. It consists in crossing the Atlantic solo and without assistance on a racing yacht measuring just 6.50 m. This transatlantic race is completed in two legs, starting in France (since 1985) with a three-week stopover in the Canary Islands before reaching the West Indies.
The first edition in 1977 aimed to rival the gigantism of the transatlantic races organized since 1970. For this crossing, the skippers had only the minimum âeuros â?" until a few years ago, the sextant was the only authorized means of navigation âeuros â?" and set off to assault the Atlantic on boats that had to measure 6.50Âm. Some build protos, others shorten their boatsâeuros!
The first three editions will be run from Penzance, Cornwall UK, with a stopover in Tenerife and a finish in Antigua.
No communication with earthâeuros!
On the Mini Transat, there's no communication! In fact, there are no computers, no satellite links, no vacations, and no possibility of sending photos or videos aboard these small boats. No contact with the race organization or family and friendsâeuros!
The only link with land for the "Ministes" is the daily bulletin issued on SSB radio by the race directors, giving the weather situation, the 48-hour forecast and the distance to the finish for each competitor.
The only way for sailors to exchange âeuros with each other âeuros is by VHF when within range (about 10 miles).
However, the solo sailors are not left to their own devices in the middle of the Atlantic. Accompanying boats follow them on their journey, providing assistance if needed.
Very small" 6.50 m boats
The Mini Transat is raced on small ocean-racing boats measuring just 6.50 m in length. To be allowed to cross the Atlantic, Minis need a waiver from Maritime Affairs âeuros they must be designed as a category B boat, but are homologated in category C âeuros hence the presence of accompanying boats.
They are divided into two categories: series boats, of which a minimum of 10 must be produced, and prototype boats. The latter are unique boats born of the imagination of architects and racers in search of innovation, while respecting the rules.
In fact, many innovations first appeared on these 6.50 m racing yachts, before being applied to other classes and even pleasure boats:
- Ballasts in 1979
- Carbon mast in 1985
- Mast-wing, canting keel, removable and pivoting bowsprit in 1991
- The round bow in 2011
- Foils in 2015 (authorized from 2014)
- The semi-rigid wing in 2017
Eclectic profiles
Anyone can take part in the Mini Transat and most of the great sailors wore their first oilskins there before going on to compete in Figaro, Class40, IMOCA, Ultime...âeuros!
Men and women from all walks of life set off on this two-stage transatlantic race.
But above all, the Mini is the project of a lifetimeâeuros! While some can count on the support of sponsors, others invest their ownâeuros! After all, their dream is to cross this immense ocean on a "mini" boat.
