New Sail-World Article
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
https://www.sail-world.com/news/295674/Peter-Gibbons-Neff-on-his-Classe-Mini-project
Below is my response to the first question, but makes sure to read the full article!
What were the biggest lessons that you learned about racing Classe Minis across the Atlantic in 2023 (aside from rudder-breakage issues)? Also, how do you plan to incorporate these lessons into your 2027 campaign?
There was a tremendous amount of learning leading up to the 2023 Mini Transat and throughout the race itself. This was both expected and one of the parts of the campaign I really enjoyed most. Looking back on that experience, the most significant lessons were centered around mindset.
That was the first time I had truly set off to cross an ocean. Even though I ranked high in the fleet for offshore miles raced in my boat and felt well-prepared, there were still major unknowns in actually crossing the Atlantic. The extended time at sea, completely alone, and in new waters added a different level of challenge on top of the competition itself.
Along the way, I learned that I had to trust both myself and the preparations behind me. By the time I crossed the finish line in Guadeloupe, after thirty days at sea between the two legs, I no longer had any doubt in my ability to make it across an ocean.
Another major lesson was understanding the importance of mental resilience while offshore. After one of my rudders ripped off, I was able to stay focused on solving the immediate problem and made a quick technical stop in Cape Verde for repairs.
The harder challenge came afterward—recovering mentally from the feeling of failure while watching the fleet sail away. Even though I never let off the gas pedal, it took a several days to process the setback and reset mentally. I realized my resilience offshore came from the clarity of my mission and the "why" behind my campaign: raising awareness for U.S. Patriot Sailing. Even while chasing back toward the fleet, I was still accomplishing that goal.
Finally, I learned how much consistency and attention to detail matter every single day. From sleep management and navigating to sail changes and risk management, there are countless small decisions offshore that create a cumulative effect over a race as long as the Mini Transat. The ability to keep the boat moving fast, in the right direction, and to stay ahead of maneuvers and changing conditions makes all the difference.
For the 2027 campaign, all of those lessons carry forward. The goal is not simply to return—it is to compete at the front of the fleet. That means starting with the right platform, focusing on mindset, and approaching preparation with even more precision. Experience taught me how to finish; now the focus is learning how to win.
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?
