Project mini 6.50

What is a mini 6.50?

(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 had 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 to try to put a campaign towards the mini transat together, however the circumstances have not been favourable and the late offer of a campaign in the 470 made me reassess the current situation.

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 after a month of work (and several return trip to France) ashore to sort out the cosmetic and to be prepared for a crossing to Ireland. The boat has been sailed to Ireland in April (60 hours!!!) . I had a few outings to check the potential and I am pretty happy with outcomes.

2009 : I made a trailer for the boat and it is now ashore beside the house under full refurbishment. Following the availability of funds, I am re-doing, improving, modifying in order to get it race ready (video Aug 2009). The cold winter has put a stop in current work.

2010 : I intend to put the boat back afloat in April. If I surely would not mind doing a few races, but I now intend to use it as a teaching tool for offshore short handed racing through tralee Bay Sailing School and may consider chartering to a talented young Irish sailor interested in mini sailing. In any case, if there is potential buyer outhere (or even someone interested in having a share), it is for sale at 20 KEUR ONO (see details below)!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information : Thomas@tcsailingcoach.com

 Aventous (ashore, 2007) Aventous (transat 2005)

Due to the current lack of support and time, Aventous is for sale

DETAILS

  • Mini 6.50 (21 ft) proto Fauroux. fixed keel design 1991
  • one mini transat in 2005 with previous owner
  • based in Fenit Marina (fees paid for 2010 and basic insurance taken for 2010)
  • Great first boat for a good intro to short handed sailing/racing. massive fun when breeze picks up!
  • reviewed in 2009 and still sitting on a trailer/craddle (would not use it for a long travel)
  • ready to sail with all sails, good rigging and a new tiler (2009), but has not been class re-approuved since 2006, so probably some minor adjustment still to be done.
  • Electronics still needs a good look (project spring 2010)
  • Valued in 2008 at 22 000EUR ( without trailer)
  1. For sale at 20 K-EUR but any good offer considered
  2. share at 10 K-EUR (+ an equal share of yearly expenses). note that for the next 2 years at least I would not sail the boat much leaving it pretty much full time to co-owner.
  3. Would charter at 600EUR/month (or 3000EUR/year), best deal around. However, if skipper keen to race on the mini circuit, we will have to look at related expenses to get her 2010 class legal and maybe update to a new solent sail.

Boat can be seen in Tralee at moment as sitting on a trailer beside house. It is possible to get an ECHO cert for club racing, although the handicap system is not really kind to the mini class. Short handed sailing is developping in Ireland (www.doubleandsolo.com) and races are being added on the national calendar. Contact Thomas Chaix (thomas@tcsailingcoach.com)

Reason for sell/charter is lack of available time due to the launch of a 470 campaign towards london 2012/Rio 2016 and need of financing such campaign.

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