After eight days at sea, the 2025 Mini Transat is tracking as one of the slowest editions on record. Light winds and a blocking ridge forced the fleet deep south, with most of the solo boats covering under 30% of the course.
The outlook has improved. The fleet is now in the west-bound trade winds, which are forecast to hold through next week. Average speeds are 6–8 knots, with the frontrunners touching 10 knots.
Prototype leaders remain clear of the main pack. Benoît Marie’s advantage shrank after onboard concerns slowed him from mid-teens to under 10 knots. The top two are now split by 36 nautical miles, down from more than 140 on Thursday.
In the Series fleet, Paul Cousin (981 — AFP — Groupe Biocombustibles) leads on the southern lane, also by 36 nautical miles.
Ireland’s Mark O’Connor (946 — Mini Skippy) sits 31st after a tactical course change to stay in pressure. Some boats that went further south are now tracking back north, adding miles.
Gráinne Costigan (850 — Sea Fever) is 45th and among the most northerly boats.
Rations are a concern after the slow start. Before the off, O’Connor estimated a mid-November finish into St François Harbour. With over 1,800 nautical miles to run, that remains achievable if the trades persist.
Of the original 90 entries, 89 boats started Leg 2. Japan’s Hajime Kokumai retired in Leg 1 after striking a submerged object.
There has been fresh attrition in Leg 2. Foucauld Malard (621 — L’Arche Lille and Mare & Vela) was abandoned on Thursday after successive rudder losses. He was recovered by the support team and is safe in Cape Verde.
Three skippers have stopped in Cape Verde for repairs:
• Antoine de Malleray (950 — Émeraude Voile Solidaire) with electrical issues.
• Uroš Kraševac with autopilot failure.
• Timothée Villain-Amirat with helm problems.
Elsewhere, Felix Oberle (1019 — Big Bounce — Beltrona) and Mathéo Le Calvic (967 — FPFP) reported technical issues and water ingress respectively, but both remain racing.
Benoît Marie has since resumed at pace.
