April SITREP
On track for the Mini Transat this September
With the finish of the Plastimo Lorient Mini (PLM) race last week, I completed the final requirement for earning my spot in the Mini Transat this year. Even though I was fully qualified going into this season, the only thing left according to the class rules was completing one race in the year of the Mini Transat. It feels great to have completed the final required step for me to compete in the Mini Transat this year!
If you are curious what the Mini Transat registration list looks like for the Mini Transat , check it out here. There are very few, if any, solo offshore races beyond this class that have a waitlist as long as the Mini Transat!
If you missed my most recent after action reports from the PLM, make sure to check them out!
April has been a busy, but important month. It included getting the boat ready for this season, completing a few crucial projects on the boat, and the completing the race in Lorient.
The original plan this week was for me to deliver Terminal Leave about 40 nm southeast to Pornichet. La Pornichet Select, a 300 nm solo race, starts on 29 April. While I am ready and eager to compete, I am on the waiting list for this event and the window to move up to the main list has realistically closed. While I am disappointed that I cannot race, all is not lost since my mission solidly remains the Mini Transat.
As I mentioned earlier in the season, participation in the French Classe Mini fleet has exploded. So many sailors have signed up this year that it is actually a problem, because each race has a maximum number of boats allowed due to logistics and safety considerations. Each port has limited dock space, even with most boats rafting up three Minis side by side. The Classe Mini organization did their best with establishing an improved preference process this year. To evenly distribute the races, most skippers are only on the main list for one or two races throughout the season. Generally you get your first choice, then each preference puts you lower on the waiting list. In an effort to keep the race selections fair, it does not matter how long you have raced in the fleet, how many miles you have, or if you are on the main list for the Mini Transat. I am thankful that I started this campaign back in 2021 and reached all the needed qualifying miles last year, as this year would have been difficult to do in time.
Since I am not racing this week, I hauled out Terminal Leave a few days ago where she is back on trailer here in La Trinité-sur-Mer. I have shifted my focus back to completing the many administrative tasks necessary for the campaign, cleaning up the boat from racing, and prioritizing my work list going forward. My body also appreciates this time on land for getting in more consistent work outs, compared to the fatigue from solo sailing and sleep deprivation during races.
New Partnership with Expedition Foods!
I am excited to announce a new partnership with Expedition Foods. They are supporting this Mini Transat campaign through discounted food. Over the past two seasons I have tried a lot of different types of freeze-dried meals, however, I kept coming back to this brand each time.
After heating up water in my JetBoil, within just a few minutes the meal is ready. Easy to prepare and eat while racing. The 450 calories meals are my go to portion size for 3-4 meals a day with plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner….or whatever meal you think it might be! I also like to bring a few extra 800 or even 1000 calorie meals to eat either ahead of or after bad weather when I may not be consuming enough calories. Not only is it hard to eat when solo racing in big seas, but many times I do not want to leave the cockpit during these challenging conditions. Going down below increases your risk of breaking the boat as the wind increases or getting knocked over by a wave. Having nutrition options when it comes to freeze-dried food is key. Thank you Expedition Foods for your support!
Thank you to everyone who has donated! Your support really helps get me to the Mini Transat starting line. If you can support, please donate through U.S. Patriot Sailing (tax deductible!) or through my GoFundMe.
