/ 
The Mini Atlantique is contested over two legs totaling approximately 1,300 miles. The first leg runs from Les Sables d'Olonne to Horta, on the island of Faial. After the stopover in the Azores, the skippers set sail again for the second leg.
A race on the Mini 6.50 calendar
The 2026 edition brings together 64 skippers, including 14 women, representing 11 nationalities. The fleet is divided into the Series and Proto categories.
Series boats must comply with specific construction rules. Prototypes allow architects and teams greater freedom, particularly regarding materials, appendages, and volume distribution. The start of the first leg is scheduled for July 22, 2026, off the coast of Les Sables d'Olonne. A fleet presentation parade is scheduled to take place on July 19, 2026.
The skippers will first have to cross the Bay of Biscay, then head for the Azores. Weather conditions, sea conditions, and the positioning of high-pressure systems will directly influence their route choices.
Autonomous Navigation
Each competitor sails alone on a 6.50-meter sailboat. They must handle steering the boat, standing watch, sleeping, restocking supplies, and any necessary repairs. Outside assistance is limited by the Mini Class rules. Skippers must therefore resolve any technical problems encountered at sea on their own.
For part of the fleet, the Mini Atlantique serves as preparation for the Mini Transat. The length of the legs allows sailors to test the autopilot, the sails, the electrical systems, and the organization on board.
The race also provides insight into the competitors' skill levels in the Proto and Series classes. It serves as a test of the boats' reliability ahead of the upcoming events on the circuit.
