May SITREP
QUALIFIED!
One race down, three more to go this season
Shortly after the Mini en Mai race start [Photo: @jeannick2040 on Instagram]
With May coming to a close, the second season of this campaign is in full swing. It is amazing how much has changed in one year since I last published a May SITREP. We have gone from just trying to get Terminal Leave on the race course to now focusing on small improvements each day to get the most out of the boat.
Recent Blog Posts
Make sure to check out my recent blog posts recapping the lead up and Mini en Mai race for a detailed look at this past month:
Qualified for the SAS and Mini Transat!
Upon completion of the Mini en Mai race, I fulfilled the requirements to compete in the 2022 Les Sables d’Olonne – Azores – Les Sables d’Olonne (SAS) Race and 2023 Mini Transat.
Qualification requirements for the SAS and Mini Transat:
-1,000 nm solo qualification sail (completed 2021)
-800 nm of races for SAS (completed 2021)
-1500 nm of class races for Mini Transat (completed now)
-One race leg over 500 nm (completed now)
Even more important than making the qualification requirements, I am now officially on the main registration list for the SAS! Completing Mini en Mai could not have come at a better time. 147 skippers registered but there are only 72 spots available for the race.
Of the 72 maximum boats, 27 places (40%) are reserved for the first qualified series boats (like mine). Another 27 places (40%) are reserved for prototype boats. The following 18 places (20%) are finally left over for either series or prototypes, whoever qualifies first. As of now, all of the series spots are taken, as well as the final 20% by series boats. A waiting list of eight fully qualified series boats are ready to jump in if one of us fails to fully register or compete. Because I completed 1510 nm of racing since last season, I secured the 27th series spot!!!
The registration process can be daunting for any skipper. Understanding the rules, requirements, and how the fleet is shaping up takes time racing within the class. It helps that I now know or recognize most of the boats on this list. By showing part of the registration process here, I hope it might help others who are interested in joining this class. If anyone interested in campaigning a Classe Mini has any questions, feel free to contact me any time!
This season is only made possible through support from my sponsors and generous donations from supporters who believe in this mission. So far we have raised over $21,500 this year through the GoFundMe page. These contributions have helped start this season off strong with boat preparations and completing the first race. However, in order to compete in all four races this season I still need your help! Preparing to race a 21’ boat solo in the upcoming SAS, 1300 nm each way (2600 nm total!) is a full-time endeavor. The race registration and logistical costs add up fast for such a serious offshore race. Please share my GoFundMe page with your friends and family! https://gofund.me/dc565273
Thank you for your support!
