|
Written by Nicko
|
|
Saturday, 28 January 2006 |
The Mini-Transat was launched in 1977 by the Englishman Bob Salmon in response to the rising costs of other single-handed races such as the OSTAR. Salmon set the maximum length of the boats at 6.5m/21ft. Race rules were minimal - a maximum of five sails were allowed and electronic navigation was not permitted.
The first race started from Penzance at the southwest tip of Cornwall and stopped in Tenerife in the Canary Islands before heading to the finish at English Harbour in Antigua. Some 24 boats started in the first race with the race being won by Daniel Gilard. In 4th place was Jean-Luc van den Heede (BOC and Vendee Globe) with Bruno Peyron (Route du Rhum, Figaro and RTW record) in 12th.
Despite its British origins, the race was soon to be become dominated by the French. In 15 finishes, there have only been two non-French winners: Norton Smith (USA) in 1979 and Yvan Bourgnon (SUI) in 1995. In 1985 the original course was altered to start from Brest and finish in the French island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies. Since then, the route has changed every few years. In 2001, the course was altered to run from La Rochelle to Salvador Da Bahia - the first time the route has crossed the equator.
By 1995, one-third of the fleet were international and by 1999 nearly half the fleet were non-French representing 12 nationalities. In 1997 the British returned to the Mini-Transat after a long absence in the form of Ellen MacArthur (15th) and Mark Turner (5th-now Ellen's manager).
Famous Faces
The Mini-Transat has sported many famous names since its inception. This list includes Yves Parlies (1985), Jean-Luc van den Heede (1977,1779), Loick Peyron (1979), Lionel Pean (1979), Isabelle Austissier (1987), Laurent Bourgnon (1987), Thierry Dubois (1993), Yvan Bourgnon (1995) and Ellen MacArthur (1997). |
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 September 2006 )
|
