Me at the helm of SWE772 Grpms.com

The time has come.

I am off to La Rochelle on the 17th of September for my big challenge to sail the race of my life. The Mini Transat 6,50 solo race from La Rochelle to Salvador de Bahia.
I have to say that I wish I was more prepared. Mojo my boat is still on the yard and I have not sailed her since before the collision with the French Trawler in May. Next time I will sail her is out to the Start line on the 25th. This make the challenge even more exiting.


The Race
The Mini Transat 6.5 race is known as one of the most extreme yachting events in the world, this event sees the smallest single-handed offshore class of yacht race across the Atlantic Ocean. For safety reasons organizers limit the number to 80 yachts.

With no onboard computers or internet access like most modern offshore events, this race relies on the ability of the sailor to sail with very little modern resources. The name Mini comes from the fact that it is minimum of safety and minimum of contact with anything else then the sea .
Start line is at La Rochelle on thesouth west coast of France, racing to Madeira Island Canary Group of Islands, to finish at Salvador de Bahia north east coast of South America. Sailing a distance of approximately 6,000 nautical miles.

The History

The first edition of the Mini Transat race was held in 1977 subsequently has been held bi annually. The first race was launched by Englishman Bob Salomon. In 1977 the race started in Penzance England racing to Tenerife and finishing in the English harbour of Antigua. There were 24 boats in that first race and was won by Daniel Gilard.

There have been many changes to the course since 1977 even though it had a British origin the race was soon to become dominated by the French. In 1985 the course was changed to start in Brest France racing to the course altered again to run from La Rochelle France to Salvador De Bahia in Brazil. French sailors made up the majority of the entrants however by 1999 almost half of the fleet were international sailors representing more than 12 different nationalities.
The Course 2011

LEG ONE

La Rochelle to the Madeira

The Bay of Biscay is known as the equivalent of Australia’s Bass Strait. This dangerous area of water is shallow like Bass Strait and is known for its big powerful north Atlantic swell and the strong Atlantic trade winds. This stretch of water makes it an ideal area to start such an extreme yacht race. This leg is 1200nm long.

LEG TWO

Madeira to Salvador, Brazil

This leg has its very own challenges for example sailing though the doldrums where the wind can stop for days and then you can be hammered by large squalls created by the tropics. This is where this race can be lost and won. Leg two is much more challenging, by the time the sailors near Brazil they would have been at sea for at least 14 days sailing the boat at race pace. Sailing fast becomes much more difficult as sleep deprivation sets in. This leg is 3100nm long.

The Challengers and the Dangers

The wide open space of the Atlantic could seem daunting when you are on a 21 foot yacht. The key to the second leg is heading south till you find the Trade Winds before making a big right hand turn for the West Indies. Keeping the extremely over powered mini under control. Loss of concentration and a mid Atlantic squall can catch you out with the wrong sails up and this could easily cause a capsize putting yourself, your boat and the equipment in danger.

It takes less then 20 minutes for a freighter to reach you from the horizon. A mini is a small boat and very difficult to see. You are alone so when you’re asleep there is no one else to keep watch making your sleep periods very short.


During the race

As a solo skipper you are the one responsible for everything from the care and maintenance of yourself to the care and maintenance of the vessel and all equipment on board. You are the correct trimming of sails. It is hard work, days are long and sleep is short, food is a small selection of freeze dried meals that become tasteless and monotonous with repetition of menu.

As part of the Mini Transat Race conditions, sailor must commit to Operation Label Bleue which is dedicated to the children of Charente-Maritime, Madeira and Brazil. These three areas are all involved with the race. The aims of Operation Label Bleue are preserving the marine environment, discovering solidarity, other cultures and civilizations. This operation involves over 2000 children from 6 to 13 years of age.

These children meet with the skippers, mail correspondence and with the assistance of internet, the children insight into marine life protection, humanitarian actions. The children get an insight to the way of life on these small racing yachts.

Follow the race on
http://www.charentemaritime-bahia.transat650.net/en