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The mini 6.50 project
(Open 650 aka Transat
650 aka Mini) A 21-ft long boat that is raced solo across the Atlantic
Ocean. It is the smallest Open Class yacht and very spectacular. It
brings the largest fleet of offshore racing yachts on the starting line,
up to 98 (Mini Fastnet 06 record) the same kind of boats. The level is
from pure amateur up to professionals.
Basic features ; LOA 6.50 m Beam 3.00
m Drought 2.00 m
Mast ca. 11.00 m. Sail area; up to 130 m2
In the Class Mini there is a lot of development and testing done, it is
one of the playgrounds for designers. So you can see amazing features
floating around in the ports.
In the Class Mini there are two types of boats racing. First the so
called Protos. These are prototypes, everyone can be different, as
long if they fit the rules.
And then there is a class which aim it is to make sailing the Transat 650
cheaper. This Class is made up off production boats. They have to be
professionally build in one yard and the hull, deck and mast are for all
the boats the same. They are not exactly one design as the deck layout
and hardware is changeable.
More info
on http://www.classemini.com/
My
project:
This
is a project I have in the back of my mind for some time now. Lately I
finally decided to move forward and start to put the real deal in place
with a 3 year project. this is started now!
2008 : I bought a “cheap” proto I
could pimp up following the availability of funds. Aventous
(designer Fauroux), a proto from 1991 which I feel still have something to propose as a
starter boat has been launched (see
photos) after a month of work
(and several return trip to France) ashore
to sort out the cosmetic and to be race prepared. The
boat has been sailed to Ireland in April
(60 hours!!!) but I have not managed
yet to get her fully race ready yet.
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Due to the
current lack of support
and time, Aventous is for
sale at 22K€ (estimated
by survey). I
can deliver anywhere and
would do the delivery with
new owner if required.
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2009-2011: Despite the above, I havent fully given
up yet and
depending on support , time and if I still
owe the boat, With one or two major project a year,
I intend to perfect my skills against
other minis and hope to be noticed to
be able to find a solid partner allowing
me to developp a competititive carbon
proto or at least get a a pogo2 (about
50K€) to target the series. One of the ideas is to become
the "junior" boat for an Open
60 project or the "team green"
Volvo ocean race project.
The projects I
will be looking at are on the Atlantique
circuit and I will focus on the ones
near enough Ireland. The mini Fastnet,
the UK mini fastnet, the open Demi clé,
the Marie Agnès Péron trophy, la mini
Solo, the Mini Pavois...
But Here again, I am on my own funds which
are "melting" rapidely and a loan, and to be able to
succeed, I need support, now more than ever. There are several way for me to give value
for money to a partner throughout advertising banner (on the boat, on the
website), press release, corporate sailing on the boat for you, your
clients, your business partner, your kid…
Please
don’t hesitate to contact me or look at the
microsite IRL78 for more information : Thomas@tcsailingcoach.com
Aventous
(ashore, 2007)
Aventous
(transat 2005)
 
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