Joshua Schopfer - My First Offshore Season

Joshua Schopfer wins the SAS regatta Leg 2 © Arnaud Pilpré / SAS

As a pivotal year for my project begins, I want to reflect on the highlights of my first season in the Mini 6.50 class, share my plans for 2025, and most importantly, wish you a Happy New Year!

On 7 March, I embarked on my very first outing onboard my new Mini 6.50 Mingulay. Eight months later, I have covered 6,700 nautical miles (12,400 km) at sea, mostly single handed.

The first part of the season was filled with regattas in the Mediterranean (with four podium finishes) and completing my 1,000 nautical-mile qualification route. Then, I raced in the Atlantic and capped off the season with a victory in the return leg of the main event of the year: Les Sables - Les Açores - Les Sables. This season was beyond anything I could have imagined, proving to me that I can compete with the best sailors in the Mini class!

1,000 Mile Qualifier: An unforgettable challenge

The first major milestone of this adventure was completing the 1,000-nautical-mile qualification route - a mandatory step to participate in the SAS and the Mini-Transat. It was my first solo navigation, a ten-day voyage in March.

Looking back, embarking on this route with no prior solo experience was a bit optimistic. I broke equipment, struggled, got seasick... but that's exactly the purpose of the qualification route: to face the elements and yourself for ten days to prove you can handle it. And I realised that not only can I do it, but I love it!

Mediterranean Regattas: Strong Performances

Arcipelago 650: 2nd place
Roma per Due: 2nd place
Roma-Barcelona: 3rd place
Solo Med: 2nd place

The first two races were double-handed, while the last two were solo. I benefited greatly from the experience of Giovanni Bignardi and Arnaud Machado during the Archipelago and Roma per Due, respectively, which was a huge help for the rest of the season.

The solo regattas were truly enjoyable for me. It was my first time facing solo offshore sailing, managing weather, strategy, and sleep while remaining competitive and solely in charge of the boat. Despite an energy blackout during Solo Med and other minor issues, I felt very comfortable. It was an intense period with less than a week between each race.

This successful start to the season earned me qualification for the SAS, the main race of the 2024 season.

Les Sables - Les Açores - Les Sables: A Memorable Race

Arriving in Les Sables d'Olonne, it was immediately clear this was no ordinary race. Everything was bigger and more impressive: safety checks, briefings, medical exams... The organization was superb. The course consisted of a round trip from Les Sables d'Olonne to the Azores, totaling 2,600 nautical miles.

The first leg was challenging, starting with calm conditions followed by a front in the north of Spain with winds of 30-40 knots for 12 hours. We then had three glorious days of trade winds and finished with a light-wind battle around the Azores, reaching Horta Island after ten days of racing.

After a strong start, I finished 8th in the first leg, feeling a bit disappointed as my competitors caught up from behind while I was stuck in calm winds. However, the prize-giving ceremony for the first leg fueled my motivation, and I approached the second leg with renewed determination.

A Victory That Means a Lot...

Shortly after the start of the return leg, during the first night, a storm front swept across the fleet. I managed this phase well and found myself leading with Paul Cousin. After sailing side-by-side for 12 hours, we chose different strategies, and I ended up in the lead alone.

I escaped my pursuers by exiting a windless zone before them. Then, the wind picked up to 25 knots, and I sailed under spinnaker for three days in strong winds. It was exhilarating - heading straight for the goal at high speed - but exhausting. I slept very little because steering manually was more efficient, and I didn't want to lose an inch.

With 24 hours to go, I received the rankings and saw I had a 35-mile lead over the second-place competitor. I held onto my lead and crossed the finish line in first place after 7 days and 19 hours of racing. This result pushed me up to 4th place in the overall SAS rankings, making it a successful race!

2025: Full Steam Ahead to the Mini-Transat!

After a well-deserved month of rest in December, I'll return to Lorient in January to work on my Mini Mingulay. The plan includes a thorough inspection, rigging upgrades, painting, mast replacement, and more. This crucial preparation phase will allow me to start the season confidently with a fully optimized boat.

The first race of the season will take place in April, followed by events such as the Mini-Fastnet and the Transgascogne before focusing on the centerpiece of my project: the Mini-Transat! The departure is scheduled for September 21st from Les Sables d'Olonne. While there's still time, I know the season will fly by.

Your Name Across the Atlantic

The Mini Transat is a solo race, but I need all of you to help me bring this project to fruition. Your donation will bring me closer to my goal and my dream!

Your name will be printed on the boat and will accompany me across the Atlantic! Your support will be very tangible, but also moral; you'll be with me on board Mingulay to share the less good times and, above all, the best times.

All support, even the most modest, is welcome.

I'm looking forward to sharing this challenging new season with you. Don't hesitate to follow my adventures on Instagram and Facebook, and to spread the word.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

See joshua-schopfer.com

Joshua Schopfer and Arnaud Machado finish second in the Roma Per Due - photo © G. Di Fazio