Mini in May 2026: Julien Letissier wins the 13th edition after a race full of twists and turns
by Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer 28 May 09:07 PDT
25-28 May 2026
Mini en Mai 2026 Finish - 1st Proto Julien Letissier, 1069 Branchet © Yannis Guerrand
Julien Letissier (1069 - Branchet) emerged victorious in the 13th edition of the Mini en Mai, a race that will be remembered for years to come.
In 3 days, 00 hours, 01 minute and 17 seconds, the skipper finished 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead of his closest competitor after an intense tactical battle, fought in very light wind conditions throughout the 290-mile course.
A race against time
From the start in Quiberon Bay to the finish line, the 13th Mini en Mai never offered a moment's respite. The 73 skippers involved had to contend with a capricious light breeze that reshuffled the cards numerous times, making any prediction impossible until the very end.
In the Proto class, the battle at the top lived up to all expectations. Julien Letissier, Koki Sawada (1048 - DMG Mori Sailing Academy), Adrien Marchandise (754 - Minilab), and Thomas Jouans (719 - Minimoana) engaged in a fiercely contested race, with the leaders changing hands within a few nautical miles of each other for nearly 48 hours. Letissier ultimately prevailed, finishing 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead of Marchandise in second place and Jouans in third.
In the Series category, the suspense was just as high right up to the finish line. Basile Gautier (1116 - Technologie Marine) climbed to the top step of the podium, ahead of Eliot Poughon (1105 - Zeste de Citron) and Thomas Darmont (1122 - Démosthène).
Julien Letissier: "An insane finish"
Winner of the overall race, Julien Letissier didn't hide his joy at the finish, while also acknowledging the challenging conditions: "It was tough in those light winds, and it confirms that I don't like light winds, but at the same time it was great. I'm so happy to win. I don't know how many times the leader changed hands, or how many different leaders there were. In the early Protos, we were only two miles apart; one minute you tack, you're in front, the next it's someone else. I think it was thrilling to watch. And finally, a crazy finish in Quiberon Bay: I had to hoist the gennaker six times, the spinnaker fifteen times, sail upwind, reach... Happy to have finished."
Basile Gautier: "I dreamed so much of a solo victory"
Series winner Basile Gautier savors his long-awaited first solo victory: "It's huge. I'm incredibly proud and I don't think it's sunk in yet. I've dreamed of a solo win for so long! We had extremely challenging but incredibly interesting conditions. It was a race full of twists and turns. I managed to find the right moment in Audierne Bay. When you're at sea and you have to make a decision like that, it's so thrilling. Go sailing Mini!"
Overall Results: (before jury)
Protos
1. Julien Letissier — 1069 Branchet - 3 days 0 hours 01 minute 17 seconds
2. Adrien Marchandise — 754 Minilab - + 01h 47' 47"
3. Thomas Jouans — 719 Minimoana - + 01h 52' 47"
Series
1. Basile Gautier — 1116 Marine Technology - 3 days 02 hours 06 minutes 05 seconds
2. Eliot Poughon — 1105 Lemon Zest - +32' 42"
3. Thomas Darmont — 1122 Demosthenes - +01h 08' 54"
The complete rankings can be found here.