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Since 1985, the Mini-Transat starts from France, the logical continuation of the assiduity of French sailors. With time, the Mini becomes a necessary step for professional racers. Laurent Bourgnon, Loïc Peyron, Isabelle Autissier, Yves Parlier, Thierry Dubois, Thomas Coville, Ellen Mac Arthur and many more have raced in the Mini at the early stage of their career. Boats are now more and more complex, faster, and are used to test new technology and architectural concepts. The "60 feet open" boats used in the solo race around the world are based on the 6.5m concept.

In the twelve races to date, the Mini became the ultimate challenge. But this does not mean that safety is not a concern. It is now very different from the old days. The boats are unsinkable and are equipped with two EPIRB (satellite beacons) and a survival suit. The sailors must qualify with their boats by sailing a minimum of 2000 miles.

But the spirit is still there. This determined spirit mixes future professional and experienced amateur in this simple equation: one man, one boat, one ocean. The Mini-Transat 2001 will add a dimension to this trilogy, the crossing of the equator. For the first time the Mini-Transat will not go to the Caribbean, but instead to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.