This is the first Mini-Transat 6.50m to achieve this feat and we believe the first boat of this size of any design to do so.
A massive challenge was undertaken by Ben Rogerson when he embarked on this challenge as part of his build up to a Mini Transat (Solo Transatlantic Race in 2011) Campaign this time last year and secured the use of the Mini-Transat 6.50m 'Mini Minx' owned by Raeffer Govoni, now living in Australia.
The short-handed and solo Offshore and Ocean Yacht Racing scene is a growing field and presents challenges and personal development achievement mountains to be climbed that are not experienced in the fully crewed ocean yacht racing arena. In the short-handed and solo classes you are Skipper, Watch Keeper, Helmsman, Navigator, Trimmer, Foredeck, Sailmaker, Boatbuilder, Cook and Medic. For extended Solo Offshore and Ocean Performance Sailing in these small boats the training and preparation needs to take on all the elements of Physical, Mental, Sleep Management and Nutrition preparation that the likes of the Volvo Ocean Race teams and Vendee Globe and TJV Skippers undertake and more.
Taking on the challenges of the Mini-Transat 6.50m and Figaro Classes are how some of the best of the best solo and short-handed Skippers in the world have shaped their successful careers. These grass roots training grounds make and break aspiring Ocean Solo Skippers.
Ben's Solo Non Stop Round Britain and Ireland Solo Passage in support of 'Toe in the Water' was a gruelling task - the first week having no let up and maximum vigilance required 24 hours a day going past and through East Coast sandbanks, Cross Channel and North Sea Shipping traffic, Gas Production Fields, Wind Farms, Oil Platforms, etc.. The second week, once the wind came back in and allowed Ben to round the top of Shetland on the third approach, started with the exhilaration and relief of open ocean to blast out into, followed shortly by the reality of the fickleness of the UK's wonderful maritime influenced weather, as one low after another tracked in to ensure the ride down the west coast of Scotland and Ireland would be very wet, very uncomfortable, and very hairy at times.
Not until the South West Coast of Ireland did the wind gods deign to show favour for Ben's mission and give him South Westerly winds and running conditions rather than another on the nose pounding.
The hours of darkness through the night of Friday 24 July - early a.m. Saturday 25 July sapped the very last reserves of energy and stamina out of Ben as he crept up against the tide towards Start Point in Devon and the Finishing Line which he crossed at 0625 hrs Saturday 25 July 2009 giving a total RBI Passage time of 15 days 3 hours and 8 minutes.
Put into context the recent fully-crewed successful RBI record breaking attempt by Dee Caffari and team on the Open 60 'Aviva' (earlier completing the Vendee Globe Race) was completed following the same route in 6 days 11 hours and 30 minutes.
As they say do the 'math' -
Team A (Ben)
20' Yacht (borrowed built 1998)
1 Crew
No Sponsor - volunteer support team
15 days 3 hours 8 minutes
Team B (Dee)
60' Yacht (owned built 2007)
4 Crew
Aviva Insurance Co. - Open 60 Support Team
6 days 11 hours 30 minutes
After pulling into the welcoming haven of Dartmouth for a few hours rest and clean up Ben set off again in the wee small hours of Sunday for his run down the familiar coastline past Portland Bill and on to the Needles.
One of Ben supporters, COMAR (who gave Ben a couple of AIS Transponders to help keep him safe during the passage), kindly took part of the support team out to the Needles to meet Ben who came in skimming the Shingles Bank and through the typically foul wind over tide conditions at the Bridge.
Once into calmer water past the Needles lighthouse Ben showed remarkable boat handling skills in sidling up to the Nelson 40' motor launch to grab a 4-pack of icy cold lagers being dangled over the side!
Within minutes the huge 'RAN' Sailing Team RIB appeared to give Ben a tow up the Solent against the extremely strong spring ebbing tide at pace.
As Ben passed Egypt Point and Cowes entrance came into sight 'Mini-Minx' was surrounded by numerous boats carrying friends, family and supporters, all out to welcome him home and applaud his achievement, despite the grey and damp British summer's day.
Cowes TV RIB was once again out on the water capturing this long anticipated proud moment on film and hosting Ben's mother Sue, overjoyed to see Ben safely and successfully home after many sleepless nights over the past two weeks wondering if he would make it. Also onboard with the camera crew was Andy Cassell, Cowes based Paralympic Gold Medallist, who has helped Ben in his sailing career since the early days. Sadly Brian Thompson, most recently solo-skipper of Open 60 'Pindar' in the Vendee Globe, who has been involved night and day for the past 18 days supporting Ben on weather and routing along with ORM International management, could not be there for the homecoming, as he was at sea - albeit a Ferry returning from France this time.
Being slowly towed through the entrance of Cowes and up the river, Ben was greeted with waves and shouts of support from many people in their apartments and the Yacht Clubs, including veteran yachting international superstar Harold Cudmore, all supporters who have been following his progress on his website and OC Tracker.
After a few days of cleaning up and catching up on sleep and some proper food, Ben will be preparing for next week, Cowes Week Regatta, when he will be onboard the 'Toe in the Water' racing yachts again.
An early few words from Ben - "Awesome trip - I'm absolutely knackered - Do you like the beard? - The Beer was great - Can I have another?"
