Light winds, big ambitions: the Mini en Mai 2026 has set sail
by Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer 26 May 09:17 PDT
25 May 2026
Mini en Mai 2026 undeway © Manon Le Guen
In a sun-drenched but windless Quiberon Bay, 73 skippers set off this Monday morning for the 13th edition of the Mini en Mai, organized by the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer (SNT).
An electric atmosphere, despite — or perhaps because of — the weather conditions.
A departure under high tension
In a light breeze—5 to 6 knots at the start—the 73 Mini sailors set off with unwavering determination. The light conditions did nothing to diminish the intensity of the moment: in light winds, gaps widen quickly and mistakes are punished severely.
The palpable tension on the starting line confirms what regulars already know: the Mini in May has a special aura that leaves no one indifferent. No one escapes the excitement of the start, and this year even more so, with many newcomers to the circuit.
A 410-mile course, designed to accommodate unpredictable weather conditions
Race director Yves Le Blevec has opted for a 410-mile course, designed to adapt to unpredictable weather. Conditions are expected to be light at the start of the race, and very light in the Iroise Sea — an area notorious for its treacherous conditions in calm weather.
To keep all options open, a window has been placed in Quiberon Bay on the descent, after the Chaussée de Sein. This will allow the organizers to shorten the course if conditions require it.
If the weather holds, the Mini sailors will head south to the Rochebonne plateau and the Petites Barges, off the coast of Les Sables d'Olonne, before sailing back up towards La Trinité-sur-Mer. A great unknown for a race that promises to be as much about mental strength as it is about the sails.
Relive the departure on the Offshore Social Club's YouTube channel:
Follow the Mini in May on the tracker: minienmai.geovoile.com/2026/viewer