ALEX ALLEY
Mini Campaign
| There never was a winner that didn't expect to win in advance |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Mini Transat Race
A biennial 4,000 mile race across the Atlantic, founded in 1977 by yachting journalist Bob Salmon. In the last event, 72 boats raced from France, via the Canary Islands, to Brazil. The Mini Transat is to short-handed sailing what karting is to Formula 1, it's the little sister of races like ‘Around Alone’ and the ‘Vendee Globe‘, with just as much or even more adventure!
A lot of names on the entry lists graduate to the ‘Vendee Globe’ - Ellen MacArthur, Nick Moloney, Thierry Dubois to name a few. The race formula is simple; sail as fast as you can across the Atlantic in a boat shorter than 6.50 metres, or about 21 feet long. There is also a very popular annual series of shorter races for the boats in Europe, sailed single and double handed.
The strength of the class lies in Europe, mainly in France and Italy. The boats can hit 20+ knots or more.
How does it feel to spend a month crossing the Atlantic in a tiny, fast-sailing, over-canvassed, racing yacht? Sleeping is a problem, noise is infernal and waves are smashing into your face the whole time. Like living in a washing machine strapped to the back of a bucking bronco. The chance of a big wipe-out (knockdown) is always in the back of your mind. Waves and squalls with enough power to snap your mast. And then there's the nose-diving...
Dangerous? It can be, of course. That’s ocean racing. After 20 years or more, the Mini class recognises the risks - the safety and experience requirements for skippers are incredibly strict, and the boats are tough, real tough. In fact, the rules require them to be unsinkable - even if severely damaged.
The Boat - OPEN 6.50 prototype
Is it a Dinghy or a Yacht?
Either way, it's a serious Ocean Racer. It's spectacular, adventurous, cutting edge, but WHY???
The Open 6.50 Boats are better known as Minis because with six bold steps you've covered the 6.5m from stem to stern. The mast is almost twice as long. And, at three metres wide, the boat looks like a big pumpkin seed!
There is a lot of development and testing in the Mini class; it is a playground for designers to trial cutting edge technology and new ideas. Ground-breaking boats have sailed the Mini Transat Race. Innovations like the swing keel, twin rudders and water ballast were brought to perfection on these little boats
Click here to find out more about the boat
"This race was conceived by an Englishman, yet never won by one. Ever since it began, it has been almost entirely won by the French. Only on 2 occasions has a non French national won. I believe it is time to bring the Mini Transat back to the UK. With the right funding and the right tools, I believe I can win."
Alex Alley 2005
Home | Training | History | Speaking | Mini Campaign | Gallery | Contact Alex
To Contact Alex: