the yacht

These 6.5m (21') yachts have been a technological testing ground for the now famous Open 60s (www.imoca.org). They are designed to a box rule, meaning that they have to fit in an imaginary box 6.5m in length, 3m width, and 14m from the bottom of the keel to the top of the mast. The formal name of the boat is Open 6.5m; otherwise know as a "mini".

There are two types of Minis: Prototypes and Series. The prototypes are very advanced; generally custom-built yachts that feature canting keels, water ballast and are built in advanced composite materials.

Series boats are built in a more traditional yard and have fixed keels, no water ballast and are built like other one-design classes according to strict class rules.

I have chosen to sail a series boat produced by MOS Composites (www.clasezero.com) called the Zero. The Zero is known to be a very seaworthy boat and particularly sturdy in heavy air. You can find more information about the Zero at the North American Zero dealer’s website (www.northamericanminitransat.com). The boat is a Lombard design, which has been on the podium of the Mini Transat in the last three editions of the race.

The "Mini" is known for it’s powerful rig, stability in very heavy wind and sea, and its impressive downwind performance. The boats are designed for single-handed sailing but can be sailed with a crew of two or three.

As you can see, the mini has a wide stern and two rudders, which allows the boat to always have a rudder firmly in the water, even when the boat is significantly heeled.

The other distinguishing feature of the Mini is the long bowsprit that allows the boat to carry large asymmetrical spinnakers as well as providing a wider variety of headsail configurations.

our sponsors include...

the yacht

Sandra Swan

Ralph Shaw

Robert Colwell

Carol LeBrun

George Jackson