When we launched this campaign in October 2025, we knew building a new Mini prototype would be ambitious regardless of timelines.

By that point, work was already well underway.  Discussions with designer Sam Manuard had begun nearly a year earlier, the project was taking shape, and construction of the molds was already underway.  From the beginning, the objective was clear: build a competitive new platform for the 2027 Mini Transat while continuing to expand support for U.S. Patriot Sailing.

The mission remains unchanged.  What has changed is this season’s timeline.

Check out the newest article by Sail-World where we cover the following topics:

• Lessons learned from 2023 Mini Transat

• What inspired the switch to a prototype

• Why a Sam Manuard design

• Experience on foiling boats

• Sailing program and goals for next 12 months

• Move to France

• How U.S. Patriot Sailing fits in this campaign

• Seeking additional partners

One of my goals this season is to share more about the personal mental and physical preparations happening alongside the boat build. Not just updates or progress reports, but real insight into what it takes to compete in a new and highly advanced boat designed to foil and race solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

There are five key themes shaping how I approach this season.

This new Mini 6.50 Prototype is starting to look like a boat! In the past few weeks, the team at JPS Production who is building it have made a lot of progress. The whole process of joining the deck to the hull was fascinating to see.

Welcome to the campaign! I am proud to officially announce our new partnership with Quantum Sails for this 2027 Mini Transat campaign.

Reflections on the 2023 Mini Transat and the Next Mission Ahead.

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) recently published an article I wrote for their annual magazine called Voyages. We explore the rudder breaking off, my thought process in the moment, and how once again U.S. Patriot Sailing supported me (even from thousands of miles away).

We are now racing to Brazil!

The upcoming Mini Transat starts in September 2027 with 90 Minis crossing the starting line in La Rochelle, France. The fleet will set off to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canaries for a stop over, then race to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.

In addition to the hull, JPS has also built the deck completely out of carbon fiber from a mold. The scow bow is a distinctive feature of this boat, with the walkable surface area falling just inside the toe rail and lifelines.

Settling into Brittany and seeing the new boat come together.

From raising awareness to expanding support —together, we’re building more opportunities for veterans.

Updates from my visit to the new boat in January.

Last week I took a quick trip to France to check in on the building of my new Classe Mini 6.50 prototype. There was so much progress since my last blog post and even during the few days I was there.

Continuing to make progress on the new boat