Across the Atlantic in a 21-footer

The 2023 Mini Transat is a solo transatlantic yacht race held biennially for the the 21-foot Mini Class. Starting on September 24 from Les Sables d’Olonne in France, the first stage finishes in the Canary Islands before the fleet takes on the final stage which ends in Guadeloupe.

Among the 90 competitors, which includes 14 women, is Peter Gibbons-Neff who is the lone American in this edition of the race. He is in the race as an ambassador for U.S. Patriot Sailing to raise awareness for this non-profit team that is dedicated to supporting the Veteran community.

With divisions for prototype and production boats, interest in the 24th edition remains high.

“The Mini class is clearly a victim of its own success,” reports Jean Marre, president of the Mini Class. “Of course, the waiting list was frustrating. We have just under 300 member boats sailing all year round. Saturation remains at its peak, and it’s still complicated to qualify. Race places are necessarily limited, so the less motivated withdraw.”