Launched and First Flight!
Introducing 1137 RESOLVE, the newest Classe Mini 6.50 prototype designed for the 2027 Mini Transat. The wait is finally over, we launched the new boat and it foiled out of the water on the very first test sail!
After years of preparation, months of building, and weeks of finishing touches—we finally launched the new boat. It exceeded initial expectations and with enough wind towards the end of a light afternoon, the boat lifted up out of the water on the foils!
The designer, Sam Manuard, was onboard for final preparations and this first test sail which really helped. We also had a rigger and another fellow Mini sailor to round out the crew.
We departed La Trinité-sur-Mer under tow by RIB with Jane driving and another local friend working the tow line. As we headed out to Quiberon Bay, we increased the speed slightly and you could just feel the boat wanting to ride up on the foils.
With both foils extended in the water, Jane increased speed and we quickly popped up onto the foils—we were flying! Even as we continued to increase speed, the Mini felt controlled with relatively stable flight. There were a few small adjustments made which helped the ride hight, but overall it did not take much to fly under tow.
First sailing under main and jib in light wind conditions, we reached across the bay. While we were not fully foiling, you could still feel the boat lift up and increase speed as the wetted surface area on the hull decreased.
We used this time to try out a few sails, change the foil cant angle, and adjust the rudders.
Towards the end of the afternoon, with the Code 0 hoisted, we found some small puffs of wind and took advantage of the pressure. Finally…after almost a year of building the boat, it really came to life. We powered up, lifted out of the water, and were flying high! After a few minutes of pretty consistent foiling and searching for the next area of pressure, the boat felt very balanced and controlled. I spent a few minutes driving and then turned the helm over to the designer Sam, who has so much experience and insight to provide.
Tow Testing behind the RIB
Jane passed her French Coastal Powerboat license to be able to drive the RIB for the tow tests.
Thank you to everyone who made this launch possible. There were some long days and late nights to splashing the boat and getting it rigged up, it was certainly a team effort.
Huge thank you especially to Jane for being both an incredible partner and a key member of this campaign. She passed her powerboat license exam (in French!), helped rig the boat, ran countless errands, sewed some awesome custom foil covers, supported me through challenges with serious low points, and so much more.
There is still a lot to update you all on here, and I promise to share more of the final build photos soon. With the Mini back in the yard, the builders have more work to do before the final commissioning.
Finally, thank you to all of the donors, partners, and sponsors who have helped make this milestone possible. Without the initial support from Fawcett Boat Supplies, we would not have started building this new boat.
On the fundraising side, we still have a LONG way to go and I need your help! We now have this incredible platform and have room share this story with more companies. We need your connections and introductions to companies who might be interested in partnering with us.
Until the day this is a fully sponsored campaign, we still rely on donations to help make this possible. Donations help drive support to U.S. Patriot Sailing as I race as an ambassador for this non-profit organization. Ultimately, my goal is to support the veteran community through the incredible work by U.S. Patriot Sailing. If that resonates with you, please consider donating (tax deductible!). You can choose if your donation goes directly to the U.S. Patriot Sailing team or to help this campaign. Both options are a win, thank you!
There is so much more to discuss and cover here, so more coming soon. Also, make sure to check out the videos I posted on Instagram/Facebook of the first flight!
Join us at the Newport International Boat Show this weekend! On Sunday (20 Sept) at 2 pm I will give a talk sharing my experience racing in the Mini Transat and building this new boat. If you are in Newport this weekend, let’s catch up at the show.
Check out the article published by SAIL Magazine!
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, but there are still many things we could use your support with!
If you donate to sponsor 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
Check out the CCA article that was published in their Voyages magazine
We are 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.
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?
