Simon Koster all set for the start of the Mini Transat

by Simon Koster on 29 Sep 2017 Swiss sailor Simon Koster is all set for his third Mini Transat, the second onboard his prototype SUI 888.

Unlike 2015, when he lacked time to prepare and get to know his boat, for this edition he has had time to train and prepare his cutting edge prototype. He has simplified it and improved its performance.

The sailor, based in Zurich, has been in La Rochelle for the past two weeks, putting the final touches to preparations and loading his boat with provisions, moored alongside the 80 other Mini 6.50.

'The boat is almost ready, and excitement is growing' confides the 29 year old navigator. 'I am resting and enjoying my last nights in a real bed! I am still preparing my supplies and concentrating on the weather, which is improving by the day. The start should take place in fifteen knots of head wind. Conditions will be almost ideal, before the passage of a stronger low pressure system. We will then be on a beam reach. We should pass Cape Finistère downwind, in more blustery conditions.'

Simon finished in the top rankings during preparation races in the past few months, making him one of the favourites of the race. 'My aim is to battle it out with the leaders, which I was unable to do in 2015, since I had to slow down due to technical issues. If I can remain in top shape until the end, it should show in the results! Amongst the favourites are Ian Lipinski, who has had a dream season, Jorg Riechers on his new boat as well as Erwan le Mene who is sailing the boat which has already won in 2015. Romain Bolzinger and Charlotte Méry should not be forgotten either. The winner will be known on arrival in Martinique, when the times of both legs will be cumulated.

Swiss navigator Simon Koster will take the start of the Mini Transat La Boulangère on Sunday 1 October. The first leg of this offshore race will take the solo sailors from La Rochelle (France) to Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands (Spain). Koster will be competing in his third Mini Transat, onboard his prototype SUI 888. He will be sailing amongst an 81 boat strong fleet.