From Dreams to Reality: The Build Begins

JPS Production begins work on the new Mini

Every campaign begins with an idea. This idea started years ago from the depths of the Pentagon, was reinforced during the 2023 Mini Transat after my rudder ripped off, was supported by Jane, and confirmed by my initial discussion with Sam Manuard. From a handshake on the Vendée Globe pontoon next to the Charal IMOCA (Manuard design), he set off on drafting the latest iteration of a foiling Classe Mini 6.50 Prototype.

In April, Jane and I sat down with Manuard as he spent hours sketching out the design and talking through different features. After he observed and sailed on his most recent foiling Mini 6.50, there were updates he wanted to make to improve on the next design. For months, the new Mini existed only as hand drawings and then renderings. There were discussions about design, such as type of mast, performance, and reliability. Now, that vision has started to take physical shape.

At JPS Production in La Trinité-sur-Mer, the team has begun work on the plug for the new prototype. It’s the very first stage of building a carbon fiber boat. While it may look like an actual boat, this is called a plug.

The plug is the full-scale shape used to make the mold for the hull and deck. Every contour is carefully crafted and refined to match the latest evolution of Manuard’s design. Once complete, a mold will be formed off this shape, then carbon fiber will be laid up in the mold to form the hull. The mold can then be used to make additional boats in the future. It is exciting to see the design come to life!

Both of these boats have proven track records and are at the core of the inspiration for this new design. They also just both raced across the Atlantic Ocean again.

Congratulations to Jérémie Beyou & Morgan Lagravière with Charal on WINNING the Transat Café L’or!

Congratulations Benoît Marie on Nicomatic-Petit Bateau on finishing 2nd this morning in the 2025 Mini Transat!

Benoît set the new 24 Hour Record for Classe Mini 6.50 — 352.59 nautical miles / Avg Speed 14.69 kts

Benoît fought hard across the Atlantic, even as the trade winds shut off in the middle, and was leading for most of the race until the final evening. Soon we will hear the full story, but upon seeing the finish line video something was likely damaged on board in the final few days as he slowed down significantly. Obviously I would love to announce the victory of this Manuard designed Mini, but what Benoît and his wife Caroline have accomplished with this boat over the past few years is nothing short of incredible. They have dialed this boat in as demonstrated by winning all six of the qualification races they entered this season. The 2025 Mini Transat was certainly filled with excitement and surprise when the first leg was abandoned due to a hurricane hitting Portugal. Nicomatic-Petit Bateau was so far ahead to the south that he missed the hurricane and made it to the Canaries well ahead of most of the fleet. Again, congratulations on an impressive finish!

Innovation with a Purpose

This new boat isn’t just about speed. Like my last campaign, it continues to support U.S. Patriot Sailing, the nonprofit that helps veterans find connection and purpose through the sport of sailing. It’s a cause that remains central to everything I do.

The new prototype will also be powered entirely by solar energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability offshore. Every decision in this project, from construction to technology, balances performance with purpose.

Connecting at Metstrade

Later this month, Jane and I will be attending Metstrade and the Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam to meet with partners, suppliers, and innovators from across the marine industry. It is an incredible opportunity to connect with those shaping the future of sailing technology and performance.

If you are attending too, we would love to connect. Please reach out; we are always eager to meet those who share our passion for innovation on the water and purpose-driven performance. These conversations help push ideas forward and are important part of this campaign’s momentum.

Join the Mission — New Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

What Comes Next

As the build progresses, we will share more behind-the-scenes updates. From the mold to the carbon layup to the deck fit-out and system integration, it will be an exciting few months. Follow along here and on Instagram (@pgnoceanracing) for regular updates, videos, and build insights.

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.