New CCA Article: Alone Across the Atlantic
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).
Two years after finishing the Mini Transat, I was finally ready to write this article. It took awhile to process not just the race, but the years of preparation and also what follows. I was able to share in detail some of the experience and the purpose behind the campaign.
“In the moment, I was never going to give up on the race, which is why the emotional recovery could not begin until crossing the finish line in Guadeloupe and sailing Terminal Leave back home to Annapolis, Maryland. Mentally processing the solitude, my resilience, and the challenge, while also trying to figure out what is next, takes time.”
Thank you to the CCA for awarding me the Charles H. Vilas Literary Prize for this contribution to the magazine!
I was truly honored to receive this award at the annual meeting and awards dinner, which was hosted at the New York Yacht Club a few weeks ago.
As a third generation member to this unique club (with no physical club house), I was proud to carry the burgee across the Atlantic. Some of my earliest memories as a child involve running around CCA events and sailing in the cruises.
This article would not exist if it were not for the support from so many CCA members at the start of my last campaign. The catalyst that really launched it was a presentation I gave at a CCA Chesapeake Station luncheon in the winter of 2020/2021. It formed a strong foundational base of support that believed in me.
That presentation helped connect me with the owner of Fawcett Boat Supplies who became a key sponsor (shop local and online to support them!). I am forever grateful to be a part of the CCA and the community of ocean sailors it creates. Thank you for the award!
Hear more about the event and listen to the full article on The Mini Transat Mission Podcast
Thank you Jane for traveling back from France with me and for my Mom for making the trip up to NYC. It was such a quick trip that this was the only photo of the three of us together! We rode the train back to Philadelphia where my mom had a few more of our suitcases (mostly of boat gear), so that we could fly back to France with it all. Jane and I moved to France in the beginning of the month, so this was a second opportunity to bring over additional things we need.
There are some other very interesting articles in this edition of Voyages too!
Become a Part of This Campaign!
Support this campaign by helping us launch with a tax deductible donation
As we enter the final stage of building this new proto, there is a long list of essential equipment and parts that must go into the boat. While we have some strong initial backing to start the build the boat, and have lowered the overall costs through support from technical partners, there are still many things we could use your support with! The next blog post will highlight specific items.
If you donate to buy a part of the boat, we can add your name to it and give you (or your company) shout outs during the installation and the sailing over the next two seasons!
Send me an email and let’s get you on the boat!
Email: peter@pgnoceanracing.com
Did you miss the last update? It might have gone to your spam box since we had a number in the subject line —sorry!
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.
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
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
More video updates on Instagram:
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.
New design, new challenge, same mission-driven commitment
Questions? Want to support?
Reach out out to peter@pgnoceanracing.com and jane@pgnoceanracing.com
Watch the video below to learn why I’ve decided to compete in the Mini Transat again:
Is your club, organization, or company interested in hearing about this new mission?
Thank You Sponsors & Supporters of the 2027 Mini Transat Campaign
More news to follow soon on returning & new sponsors!!!!
