The Mini was created to put an end to the dicta of big boats. Its creator (an Englishman) wanted to make ocean racing accessible. Hence the idea of leaving on a sailboat of 6.50 m without any other form of restriction.
Since the first edition in 1977, this race has been directed and orchestrated by the riders themselves. It is they who are now brought together in an association to manage their own rules and validate the organisation of the races. This unique establishment in the world of racing continues to this day.
"Since 1977, 962 people including 65 women have left a Mini-Transat where 34 countries have been represented." This book reminds us of the importance of the race and gives us a complete listing of all participants. But this book is not simply a compilation of figures or stories from different editions. No, it goes into the detail of what makes the Mini. His joys, his pains to begin with the difficulties of being on the starting line.
Gathering examples of sailors from many editions, the author shows readers the importance of this race in the life and career of a sailor. Most of the participants in this large family, who are very supportive both on land and at sea, now find themselves among the famous sailors. The phrase"Put your Mini first" is widely explained in this book.
Patrick Benoiton draws an almost"idyllic" portrait of this event and sometimes forgets to mention the sailors who could not, for lack of budget or space, participate in the event. Without paying attention to these strong disappointments, this book can be a small bomb in the head of the dreamers in whom the seed of the Mini could well germinate. But isn't that exactly what this race is all about: embarking on a dream, facing reality and finding yourself on the other side of the Atlantic with a great victory over yourself?
40 years of Mini-Transat Patrick Benoiton
- Editions Glénat
- 14 x 22.5 cm
- 335 pages
- 19,99 €
