Launched for first flight

Peter Gibbons-Neff is building a new boat for the 2027 Mini Transat, a race in the 21-foot Mini 6.50 Class across the Atlantic Ocean. Introducing 1137 RESOLVE, the newest Classe Mini 6.50 prototype.

After years of preparation, months of building, and weeks of finishing touches, we finally launched the new boat. It exceeded initial expectations and with enough wind towards the end of a light afternoon, the boat lifted up out of the water on the foils! The designer, Sam Manuard, was onboard for final preparations and this first test sail which really helped. We also had a rigger and another fellow Mini sailor to round out the crew.

We departed La Trinité-sur-Mer under tow by RIB with Jane driving and another local friend working the tow line. As we headed out to Quiberon Bay, we increased the speed slightly and you could just feel the boat wanting to ride up on the foils.

With both foils extended in the water, Jane increased speed and we quickly popped up onto the foils—we were flying! Even as we continued to increase speed, the Mini felt controlled with relatively stable flight. There were a few small adjustments made which helped the ride height, but overall, it did not take much to fly under tow. First sailing under main and jib in light wind conditions, we reached across the bay. While we were not fully foiling, you could still feel the boat lift up and increase speed as the wetted surface area on the hull decreased. – Full story