Mini Transat Starts this Year!
THIS IS THE YEAR!
This week registration opened for the 2023 Mini Transat and I am signed up! That means the official Notice of Race (NOR) was published and initial commitment fees are required for interested competitors. The total cost for entry is about $3,200 over three installments. With a planned start for 24 September, there is a lot to do over the next 247 days! Fundraising, logistics planning, boat preparations, training, racing…it will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it! However, I still need your help to get me to the starting line. Are you interested in helping cover the entry fee? If so, please donate through my GoFundMe page here: https://gofund.me/f43e698e or email me at peter@pgnoceanracing.com. All donations are truly appreciated and make a huge impact on this campaign, THANK YOU!
Photo from the 2021 Mini Transat start
This year the Mini Transat is open to 90 boats, an increase from previous years. Once again, the registration process for boats qualifying will be intense due to the continued growth of this fleet. Fortunately, after racing the past two seasons in France, I am fully qualified with guaranteed entry for the upcoming race. This certainly has not been an easy journey, nor the original plan. However, I believe it is all working out for a reason and I feel way more confident in the boat and myself going into this third season. I am proud to represent U.S. Patriot Sailing out on the ocean and continue to raise awareness for this great organization.
Race Overview
The Mini Transat is a 4,050 nautical mile solo ocean race on 21’ sailboats (Classe Mini 6.50) across the Atlantic Ocean. Starting from Les Sables d’Olonne, the first leg is 1,350 nm to Santa Cruz de La Plama. This is the westernmost island of the Canary archipelago off the west coast of Africa. With an estimated duration of a little over a week, this first leg is known for strong winds and challenging weather conditions.
The second leg is 2,700 nm long across the Atlantic to the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Sailing through the trade winds, this leg should take about two weeks to finish. These boats are designed for this downwind and reaching conditions; the Mini Transat is the pinnacle race for this fleet.
Key Dates
12 Sept: Race village opens / boats arrive
20 Sept: Parade of Minis in the bay (“prologue”)
24 Sept: Start of Leg 1 (France - Santa Cruz de La Palma)
28 Oct: Start of Leg 2 (Sant Cruz de La Palma - Guadeloupe)
Leading up to the start in Les Sables d’Olonne, there is a large race village set up by the race organization and an incredible send off for the fleet. Everyone is invited to come check out the festivities and see the boats before the race! If you are interested in coming to France to cheer me on at the start, please email Jane (jane@pgnoceanracing.com) to coordinate dates, travel and logistics.
Docks full of spectators leading up to the 2021 race
All Minis depart from the famous Vendée Globe pontoon
Looking forward to presenting next week to members of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia! Make sure to RSVP and join me on the evening of 26 January where I will share updates and show new videos from this past season.
If other clubs or organizations are interesting in a presentation, reach out!
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