Mini-Fastnet Race Starts TOMORROW!

A 600 nm double handed race from Douarnenez, France to Ireland and back

At 0800 local (0200 EDT) on 12 June, 85 Classe Minis will cross the starting line for one of the most exciting Mini races of the year.

This race traverses the entrance of the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, rounds the iconic Fastnet Rock, and returns to Douarenez. The Fastnet Rock is just off Ireland’s southern coast and known for its harsh weather conditions. This area is only about 45 nm southwest of Kinsale where I sailed out of last summer, so I am excited to navigate the Celtic Sea again. This will be my first time rounding the Fastnet Lighthouse, sitting high on the rock. Looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone.

My co-skipper for this race is Yannick Lemonnier. He owns West Sails / Quantum Ireland and knows these waters well since he has lived in Ireland for many years now. He also completed the Mini Transat last year and knows the class well!

Yannick and I racing in the prologue to the Mini-Fastnet the day prior

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to get me to this point in the season. However, we still have a ways to go! Please continue to share my GoFundMe page with friends and family: https://gofund.me/dc565273

Photo: Manon Le Guen