The Course
The Mini Transat 2027, which will be the 50th year anniversay of the race, will feature a return to a historic route format, departing from La Rochelle, France. This marks a shift from the recent starting ports like Les Sables-d’Olonne and a revival of earlier edition paths (e.g., 2001-2011). The race was awarded to La Rochelle due to the city’s strong proposal, supported by local authorities, La Rochelle Nautique, and the port facilities, emphasizing dynamism and community engagement. The event is biennial, and La Rochelle will also host the 2029 edition
Route Overview
The total distance is approximately 4,000 nautical miles (nm), sailed solo in 6.5-meter boats without external assistance or advanced communications. The race is divided into two legs, incorporating challenging Atlantic conditions like trade winds, the doldrums (pot au noir), and equatorial currents.
- Leg 1: La Rochelle, France → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain). This leg covers about 1,350 nm and typically takes 7-12 days, navigating the Bay of Biscay and early trade winds.
- Leg 2: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria → Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. This longer leg spans roughly 2,700 nm and can take 12-20 days, featuring variable weather including calms in the doldrums and stronger southerly trades near the finish.
This Brazil finish revives a traditional endpoint used in past races, offering a culturally rich arrival in Salvador’s historic bay, rather than the more recent Caribbean destinations like Guadeloupe or Martinique.
Dates and Schedule
Exact dates have not been finalized as of early 2026, but the race is scheduled for September 2027, aligning with historical timing to leverage favorable Atlantic weather windows. Typical structure includes:
- Pre-race village opening and boat arrivals: Early to mid-September.
- Leg 1 start: Mid-to-late September.
- Leg 1 arrivals: Late September to early October.
- Leg 2 start: Mid-to-late October.
- Leg 2 arrivals: Early to mid-November.
Qualification deadlines and entry openings are expected in 2026, with around 90 participants anticipated across Prototype and Series classes.
Updates may emerge closer to the event via the Classe Mini association or official announcements, as planning continues.
