/ 
The Mini Transat will write a new chapter in its history in 2027. Fifty years after its inception, the race will return to La Rochelle for the start of its next edition. This decision goes beyond a simple change in the starting port. It reflects a desire to return the race to one of its historic birthplaces, in a region where offshore racing, boat builders, and sailing schools play a major role.
A return to a port with close ties to the Mini Class
Although the Mini Transat has had several starting cities throughout its history, La Rochelle has a special relationship with the Mini Class. The La Rochelle harbor has long been a hub for skippers, boat preparers, architects, and companies specializing in 6.50-meter sailboats.
The decision to choose La Rochelle is based on a joint effort by the Urban Community, the City, the Marina, La Rochelle Nautique, the Center of Excellence for Sailing, and SEM La Rochelle Tourisme Événement. Together, these organizations aim to strengthen the maritime city?s position among France?s major offshore racing events.
This initiative is also part of a broader strategy focused on developing an offshore racing hub, training young sailors, and organizing sailing events.
A journey that takes us back to Salvador de Bahia
The 2027 race will begin on September 12, 2027, in La Rochelle. Competitors will set sail for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria before beginning their Atlantic crossing toward Salvador de Bahia.
The return of the capital of the state of Bahia as the finish city is also a nod to the history of the Mini Transat. Between 2001 and 2011, six editions had already concluded in this Brazilian port, which had become one of the race?s iconic destinations.
For solo sailors, this route presents a series of very different weather conditions. After the Bay of Biscay and the Canary Trade Winds, they will have to cross the Doldrums before reaching the Brazilian coast.
The Mini Transat remains a must-do event for many skippers
Since 1977, the Mini Transat has held a unique place in offshore racing. Competitors cross the Atlantic alone, without assistance and without constant communication with land, aboard a sailboat just 6.50 meters long.
This race is often the first major solo ocean crossing for many sailors. Several leading figures in offshore racing made their debuts here before moving on to the Figaro, Class40, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, or Ultim circuits.
But the Mini Transat also remains open to amateur sailors. It is this diversity of backgrounds that continues to define its identity, with professional skippers and enthusiasts sharing the same course and the same sailing challenges.
Legallais Becomes the Event's Title Sponsor
The other major development is the arrival of Legallais as the title sponsor for the 2027 and 2029 editions.
Already involved in several offshore racing projects, the French distributor is taking over from the previous main partners and is now lending its name to the race, which officially becomes the Mini Transat Legallais.
This announcement comes more than a year before the start, giving organizers additional time to prepare for the next two editions.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the Mini Transat thus retains the elements that have built its reputation while returning to a port closely associated with its development. For the competitors, returning to La Rochelle before setting sail for the Canary Islands and then Salvador de Bahia marks the beginning of a new cycle, while reconnecting with a part of the history of this race, which has become a benchmark in solo sailing.
