Mini Transat - Confirmed enrolments 90% complete

by Solene Rennuit on 6 Jul 2013 The Trophy Marie-Agnès Péron and the Mini Fastnet have handed down their verdict. In rather mild weather conditions, nearly all the entered competitors successfully finished the races and many of them were able to validate their qualification for the Mini Transat. In addition several new competitors were able to get their passport to the great crossing.

The finish of the two great races in June and payment of the last installment of the registration fee have somewhat changed the final list of those registered for the Mini Transat. The misfortune of one became the happiness of others as many competitors who had achieved their qualifying miles were forced to throw in the towel in the absence of a reasonable budget to make the starting line. Today, the list of competitors entered is now 90% confirmed. There are still a few places to be allocated in the Prototypes and perhaps one or two last minute movements due to unforeseen cancellations.

In the Prototype, there was no waiting list, given that the quotas for the race are half Prototypes and half Series boats. The last few races have enabled Arthur Léopold-Léger, Gilles Avril, Annabelle Boudinot, Fanch Guiffant, Nolwen de Carlan and Robin Marais to join the list of contenders. In Series, there are five who benefit from the withdrawals, Erwan Pellen, Raphaël Marchand, Pierre-François Dargnies, Rafaëla Le Gouvello and Andrea Lacopini.

Others qualifying as foreign competitors, who could not make their qualifying run on time because of their geographical remoteness, include François Lamy of Guadeloupe. Also in the same situation are Stan Maslard and American Jeffrey Mac Farlane. Stan has only to complete the Transgascogne to achieve the number of miles required, while Jeffrey sees the last place for foreign competitors escaping his grip. But he can still hope to qualify for the quota because the full number of Prototypes on the start line may not be achieved.

Meanwhile in Douarnenez the organizers are taking stock of the two major pre-season races run from the Breton harbour. The Trophy Marie-Agnès Péron and the Mini Fastnet, both organized by the Winches Club de Douarnenez, have a number of lessons for the team in terms of logistical requirements. In particular the events gave the organizers of the Mini-Transat the opportunity to get to know the future competitors.

The town of Douarnenez is also being mobilized. Local merchants have initiated a sponsorship agreement with some 84 competitors who will be present at the start. Within days, the number of traders willing to engage in the adventure expanded. The principle is simple: each trader takes under his wing a competitor and helps them within the means and possibilities of their trade. Some competitors will benefit from a free a haircut on the eve of departure, while others may benefit from a final night in a hotel with fresh linens ...

Finally, in a joint initiative between the organizers and the Port Museum, a temporary exhibition will be devoted to the race, its history and its peculiar state of mind with testimonials from some of the biggest names in racing who have previously engaged in this adventure. Loick Peyron, VDH, Michel Desjoyeaux and Roland Jourdain will share anecdotes from their store of memories. The hunt for stories is open.

The course 2013: returns to its origins

Leg 1 - Douarnenez to Arrecife (Lanzarote): 1200 miles.
Leg 2 - Arrecife to Pointe a Pitre: 2800 miles.

Dates

Prologue October 6, 2013.
Start from Douarnenez October 13, 2013 at 13h.
Arrival in the Canary Islands between 23 and 26 October 2013.
Start from Canary Islands November 9, 2013.
Arrival in Guadeloupe between 23 and 30 November 2013.

All associations have mobilized Douarnenez with the support of local and regional authorities under the aegis of Douarnenez Courses: the yacht clubs, Douarnenez and Société des Régates de Douarnenez, the Winches club organizers for many years of Mini races with the Mini Fastnet and Trophy Marie-Agnès Péron as torchbearers, but also the association of the Fêtes Maritimes, the Atlantic Yacht Club, the Fédération Maritime and others who are preparing for fifteen days prior to departure, a festival celebrating the sea and the sailors. Competitors will be welcomed into the Port-Rhu a real jewel in the heart of the Mini Transat Website