2027 Mini Transat: New Route for the Next Edition

Mar 14

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.

This is exciting for the Classe Mini 6.50 fleet since now we will be crossing both the Atlantic Ocean and equator in the same race. This revived route is already a part of the long history of the race, because it had previously been used six times from 2001-2011.

More on The Mini Transat Mission Podcast

Crossing the equator adds a whole new element for navigation and preparations. Racing out of the trade winds and across the doldrums presents additional challenges, which will be exciting for both the skippers and spectators tracking the event.

Fortunately, some of the design choices we made for our new Mini prototype before this announcement was officially made should align well for this route.

Watch the new video below about the race from La Rochelle:

This change in route differs from my 2023 Mini Transat race. For that edition, we started in Les Sables d’Olonne (which is only about 30 miles northwest from La Rochelle) and had the stop over in Santa Cruz de La Palma in the Canaries. Then the race took us west across the Atlantic, following the southern trade winds, to St. François, Guadeloupe. Even with the difference in route, both courses are a little over 4,000 nautical miles long.

**What are the Box Rules for Prototypes?**

The prototypes within the Classe Mini 6.50 must fit within a “box” rule and do not race under a handicap or rating rule. The first boat to cross the finish line wins.
The proto box rule consists of the following dimensions:
**Length:** 6.5 m / 21.3 ft
**Width:** 3 m / 9.8 ft
**Water Draft:** 2 m / 6.5 ft
**Air Draft:** 12 m / 39.3 ft

See Classe Mini 6.50 Rules

While the rest of the box rule becomes slightly more complicated for certain aspects of the boat, the fundamental box rule listed above provides key dimensions that all designs must fit within. The main differences between prototype and series (like my last boat Terminal Leave) are as follows:

A boat builder must build 10 identical production boats under the series box rule (includes thorough Classe inspections)
Restrictions on build materials: Fiberglass hulls, aluminum rigs
Shorter drafts (Water draft: 1.6 m / Air draft: 11 m)
Restrictions on expensive sailing electronic instruments (brands and models)
Significant restrictions on use of carbon fiber

What questions do you have on the rules and what more do you want to hear about? Contact me at peter@pgnoceanracing.com

We are still seeking support through donations to race for U.S. Patriot Sailing and provide more opportunities for helping veterans navigate challenges through sailing. If you want to donate to this campaign or U.S. Patriot Sailing, please click the button bellow. Thank you!

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More video updates on Instagram:

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Join the Mission — New Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

Sailing Terminal Leave in Annapolis this October (Photo Credit: Matt Ellis)

Looking Ahead — The 2027 Mission

While the last campaign focused on raising awareness for U.S. Patriot Sailing, this new mission is about expanding support — enabling the organization to create even more opportunities for veterans.

One major goal of U.S. Patriot Sailing is to introduce a cruising platform where veterans and their families can share calm, restorative experiences on the water — a vital way to strengthen connection and healing.

U.S. Patriot Sailing remains 100% volunteer-run, accomplishing its mission solely through the generous support of individual donors and grants. Together, we can make this next phase possible.

Donate HERE to support the U.S. Patriot Sailing team.

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

Follow the Mission

As this campaign builds momentum, please makes sure you are following along and stay connected:

Website: www.pgnoceanracing.com
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube (@pgnoceanracing)
- Instagram usually has the most frequent and quick updates!
Donate: You can support this new campaign with a tax deductible donation through U.S. Patriot Sailing — helping not only this mission, but also the veterans this organization serves. You can choose where your donation goes exactly: support a local team, this 2027 Mini Transat campaign, or the organization at large. Donate HERE

The support for the 2023 Mini Transat was the foundation for everything we’ve achieved so far. I hope you will be part of the adventure as we set out for this new mission.