The 36th 'Mini Fastnet Race' starts this Sunday the 12th of June in the Bay of Douarnenez, France and two Irish boats are competing in the 21-foot class.
The Mini Fastnet is a founding event in the mini circuit and as such is a rite of passage for any self-respecting “Ministe”.
The 600 mile Double handed course runs from Douarnenez - Chenal du Four – Wolf Rock –Racon Buoy north of the Scillies– Stags Buoy - Fastnet Rock – Douarnenez.
The 6.5 metre boats will spend four days and nights at sea, racing round the legendary Fastnet Rock. This year there are 85 entrants with another 46 on the waiting list.
Two Irish co-skippers will be competing in this Double Handed Event.
Mark O’Connor will be skippering his “Bád Beag” number IRL 840 with a French co-skipper. While Galway sailmaker Yannick Lemonnier will be racing aboard “Terminal Leave” USA 837 with an American co-skipper.
This will be Yannick’s Second Mini Fastnet Race as he has previously completed the 2021 edition aboard Port of Galway, IRL 492.
For Mark, this will be a new experience, being his first double-handed race in the mini class.
