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An approaching transatlantic race, stopovers full of solidarity
Setting out from La Palma on October 26, the competitors in La Boulangère Mini Transat 2025 are entering their eleventh day at sea. The first solo sailors are due to arrive in Saint-François on November 7, if the trade winds, still capricious, keep their promises. On the Guadeloupe side, the organization and the Saint-François marina are preparing to welcome the arrivals in a festive atmosphere, true to the Mini tradition.
Protos: back to the front and a quinté to recompose
Since the start from La Palma, the weather conditions have distributed the roles, but the scenario remains open. A large ridge of high pressure is upsetting the direct route, forcing the skippers to deal with the vagaries of the trade winds and the pitfalls of the ever-playful Atlantic. At the head of the proto fleet, Benoît Marie, who was briefly overtaken by Mathis Bourgnon after suffering technical damage, managed to repair the problem. From then on, the skipper of Nicomatic-Petit Bateau was back on the throttle, regaining the lead with the efficiency of a metronome. Behind him, the chasing pack is patiently chasing in a tricky ocean where every gybe can change the outcome.
Behind them, the battle promises to be fierce for the last few places in the top 5. Robinson Pozzoli (1026 âeuros UOUM) and Julien Letissier (1068 âeuros Frérots Branchet) are sailing side by side, in an ocean race that leaves no room for slacking off. And watch out for Thaïs Le Cam (1068 âeuros Frérots Ad). Restricted 265 miles from the leader, she is the most southerly of all and boasts promising average speeds. If the trade winds strengthen in her zone, she could come back to disrupt the ambitions of the leaders, and play referee in the final sprint.
Series: top three under pressure
Same atmosphere in the series boats. Paul Cousin (981 âeuros AFP âeuros Groupe Biocombustibles) is leading the way, firmly established on the southernmost trajectory of the category. He seems to have hit the nail on the head in this weather lottery. His two closest rivals, Antoine Chapot (1043 âeuros Espérance Banlieues) and Blaise Ribon (1040 âeuros Corto), trapped by the ridge of high pressure, are struggling to keep up.
But the danger also comes from the rear, with Amaury Guérin (996 âeuros Groupe Satov), in 4th position, as regular as ever, and determined to shake up the hierarchy. Alongside him, Quentin Mocudet (986 âeuros Saveurs et Délices) and Joshua Schopfer (1028 âeuros Mingulay) remain in the hunt. With Maxi 6.50s of similar performance, the slightest mistake in positioning will be paid for at a high price.
Another challenge is the potential comeback of Jan Hendrik Lenz (1085 âeuros Monoka). The German skipper, first Vector in the rankings, is in 7th place at the latest countdown. He could take advantage of the dispersal of the fleet to catch up with the leading pack.
Pit-stops in Cape Verde
Meanwhile, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, three sailors are continuing repairs on their boats. Antoine de Malleray (950 âeuros Emmeraude Voile Solidaire), who initially set sail on Friday after solving an electrical problem, had to turn back and is now approaching the island again. Thimothée Villain-Amirat (756 âeuros Speedy Maltese), whose helm was quickly repaired, extended his stopover to help his fellow sufferers, perfectly illustrating the spirit of solidarity of the Mini class. Finally, Uros Krasevac (759 âeuros Ashika II) continues to work on getting his autopilot back in shape, with a departure target of Monday.
A regatta that's anything but smooth sailing
With 1,650 miles still to go to Saint-François in Guadeloupe, the match is more open than ever. With uncertain weather conditions, clear-cut tactical choices and variable speeds depending on the trade winds, the 2025 version of the Mini Transat offers an exciting regatta where each tack can reshuffle the cards. Protos or Series, the podium contenders will need to keep a cool head and steady nerves.
