2013 Mini Transat - Katrina Ham prepares while its 20 days away

by Audrey Knight on 23 Sep 2013 In less than a month’s time, at 1313 on the 13 October, 84 solo sailors will start the 2013 Mini Transat in Douarnenez, France. Among them will be 25 year old Australian, Katrina Ham.

Having spent most of the year qualifying to secure one of the highly sought after entries, Katrina will be taking on her first transatlantic solo race. The Mini Transat is often described as the ultimate test of a sailor, which is why Katrina wants to do it! The boats are only 21 feet long and only have basic equipment onboard: no chartplotters, no computers, no satphone.

Communication is limited to VHF radio and a SSB receiver. The boats have no comforts whatsoever, and skippers have to sleep on deck in 15 minute naps. After leaving Douarnenez and racing across Biscay, there is a stopover in the Canary Islands before racing resumes across the Atlantic, to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

To qualify, Katrina had to complete 1000 nautical miles of official Classe Mini races and a 1000nm solo passage. The race is so popular that there is a dozen people on the waiting list all ready to sail to Douarnenez in case they get a spot at the last minute. A predominately French race, Katrina is one of only three skippers from the southern hemisphere!!

Katrina’s boat 785 is getting some final touches by the team at Chantier Naval Le Borgne and will hit the water soon. 785 has been kitted out with a new multi graphic by nke and great hardware from Wichard/Profurl. Katrina and 785 have also been insured by Pantaenius to make sure they are ready come October 13th. In the meantime, Katrina is busy organizing all the safety equipment, the first aid kit, food and navigation, ready to take on her biggest challenge to date.

Follow Katrina in the lead up to the start then across the Atlantic at Katrina Ham Racing or Facebook. Join Katrina’s team and help give her the best opportunity to race by helping her get the last few essentials at Kiss Bank Website.