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A dismasting 400 miles from Cape Verde
On November 3, 2025, while sailing some 400 miles west of the Cape Verde archipelago, Thiemo Huuk (Mini 1003, Europe series) announced to race management that he had just dismasted. One section of mast remains in place, and the main sails are intact. The accident occurred in strong winds, between 25 and 30 knots. No injuries on board, but a challenge to keep going.
Refusing to give up, the German skipper improvised a makeshift rig from the remaining components. With no outside assistance, he resumed his route at reduced speed.
Steady growth despite constraints
Despite the loss of speed and the difficulty of maintaining an optimal course, Thiemo maintained his course. It took him 26 days, 2 hours and 52 minutes to reach Saint-François, crossing the line at 17:52 UTC on November 20, 2025. His gap to the stage winner is over eleven days, and to the previous competitor four days. The distance covered on the bottom reached 3,110 miles at an average speed of 5 knots, proof of steady progress despite a major handicap.
A discreet but exemplary arrival
As soon as he crossed the finish line, Thiemo didn't take the time to celebrate. He immediately set course for Pointe-à-Pitre to load his Mini onto the cargo ship taking the boats back to mainland France. No speeches, no theatrics, just an objective achieved with respect for the sea and the rules.
The Mini 1003 is now returning to cargo, but its skipper will have come full circle. Without a mast, but with method.
