Why do we participate in the Mini Transat?

Why do we participate in the Mini Transat? ...

A question asked often to all who enter the Mini Transat race. 

Recently, I have been working with a new 'Minist' to the scene who has bought one of the new generation RG650 series boats. Toby is, by definition a 'part time adventurer', like the great majority of mini sailors. 

Prior to his future adventure with his new Mini, Toby had entered (and won) the transatlantic rowing race, a race that I have never been able to understand! I have met a few transatlantic rowers and I have always asked the same question, 'why would you choose to row across the ocean in a boat that, if fitted with sails, would go five times faster!!??'...

Toby answered this question quickly stating that it was 'all relative'. Somebody who doesn't sail, might pose the same point to a Mini sailor, asking 'why would you want take weeks to sail across the Atlantic when you can fly in a mater of hours!?'

I had to admit that he had a very strong point here, in the end it is all completely relative, it all boils down to an individuals perception of personal adventure or challenge. We set our own goals in what we feel is a challenge, in what will test us, in what will make us feel alive, or valid in this world that we live in. 

For me, personally, single-handed sailing has always posed the ultimate challenge. Why?, because if just one man, one tiny insignificant person out of the billions can cross an ocean all by themselves, sail from one continent to another using nothing but the wind, their ingenuity and navigation skills, then they can in essence 'conquer' this imposingly large planet and make it become theirs. 

When you do this, there are no borders, no boundaries, the world, it belongs to you, you own it, you can go anywhere in it... the world becomes yours.

Why do we participate in the Mini Transat? Of course, everyone has their own reasons, for some it's personal challenge, for some it is competition, for some it is the feeling of freedom and space, but I think ultimately, the spirit of the Mini allows the young and the old alike to go and find out what it is they're looking for. 

A small boat, nothing but the wind, the sea, the stars, your thoughts and skills, oh, and a very small globe.

Vive la Mini!