New Look for Terminal Leave #837

Excited to share the new design!

*Thank you* *Fawcett Boat Supplies* *for buying the new sails and hull wrap*

There is so much to update you all on over the past two weeks! From launching the boat to arriving in Les Sables d’Olonne for the start of the Mini Transat, here is a quick recap.

In August Terminal Leave was undergoing the final refit in the yard. This included repainting the keel, installing new rudders, and applying the new hull wrap design. On 1 September Terminal Leave was launched in La Trinité-sur-Mer for the final time in France. Once the mast was installed the next day, the goal was to get sailing as soon as possible and to get to the start of the Mini Transat.

There were many projects completed during my last week in La Trinité-sur-Mer. This included rigging the boat, making the final preparations for sailing, and replacing items for the big race. Projects included prepping the mast (replacing bungee, taping pins, and securing the radar reflector), installing in check stays, repainting the deck numbers, making a new bracket for the windex, and more.

With the initial test sail on Sept 5th, the boat was performing great. It was an incredible feeling seeing the new integrated hull and sail design after all the hard work that went into getting the boat to this point over the past three years. I believe the new design is an excellent way to represent U.S. Patriot Sailing, our sponsors, and supporters in the Mini Transat. As the only American in this edition of the race, I am proud to sail under our national colors. This is THE American Mini!

After slight delay (about a day and a half) due to a lack of wind, Terminal Leave and I departed La Trinité-sur-Mer on 9 September. This 85 nm delivery to Les Sables d’Olonne was going to consist of light and variable wind, but I needed to get moving. The sooner I could get to the starting area the better. I currently do not have a motor on the boat (and we are forbidden from racing with motors), but I was fortunate to get a tow out of the port from a fellow Mini sailor who happened to be going by on a slightly larger sailboat.

The wind was up and down throughout the day, but I slowely made progress south east along the coast. Out of the Quiberon Bay and into the much larger Bay of Biscay. That night was slow. As I sailed by a massive 9 nm long wind farm the wind died again. As the current changed, I went from drifting towards the large wind turbines to a small island of rocks that slightly rose above the surface of the water. Needless to say I did not get much sleep that night.

As the wind filled in the following afternoon, I finally had a pleasant downwind sail for the final 30+ miles. There were three other Minis now around which provided an opportunity for comparing speed and angles. We jibed by each other throughout the day and this made for a more interesting delivery. I made it to the Les Sables d’Olonne port entrance as the sun was setting. As I was towed through the famous channel for the departure and return of the Vendée Globe solo around the world race, my excitement grew as I approached the race village and pontoon where all 90 minis would line up. Each time I transit this channel, it still feels surreal and hard to fully put into words.

After 36 long hours of mostly drifting I made it to the pontoon for the start of the Mini Transat! Despite averaging 2.3 kts of boat speed, it was actually a good final test of the boat. Since I have sailed over 8,000 nm on Terminal Leave, and mostly solo, I can tell when things are running smoothly or if there are problems I should be concerned about. I am happy to report, everything is on track and the boat is in great shape. The following day Jane arrived in town to help support all the final preparations!

Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the start of the MIni Transat next week Sunday September 24th! I will be sending out the tracking link as well so everyone can follow me during the race!

Thank you to everyone who has donated throughout this campaign and in the past few weeks. Your support goes a long way to making the race possible!!!

If you are able to help, please consider donating through U.S. Patriot Sailing for a tax-deductible donation or through our GoFundMe page.

Learn More Here: www.pgnoceanracing.com/donate

I am racing in the Mini Transat as an ambassador for U.S. Patriot Sailing to raise awareness for this incredible non-profit team.