First Japanese Woman Ever to Compete in the Mini Transat
by Beka Schiff 25 Oct 2025 10:26 BST
25 October 2025
Naho Takahara in the Mini Transat 2025 © Manon Le Guen
After the unprecedented cancellation of Leg 1 due to weather-related safety concerns, Naho Takahara now prepares to relaunch her historic campaign as the first Japanese woman ever to compete in the Mini Transat, as Leg 2 officially begins on 25 October 2025 from Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Originally scheduled to start from Les Sables d'Olonne in late September and race to La Palma as part of a two-leg Atlantic crossing, the fleet was halted when extreme weather forced organizers to cancel the opening stage. As a result, the competition will now be decided entirely over the final ~2,700 nautical miles from La Palma to Saint-François, Guadeloupe, increasing both the intensity and significance of Leg 2.
Historic Milestone
Takahara stands on the threshold of history as the first Japanese woman ever to compete in this iconic race, which has launched generations of offshore legends. By taking the start of Leg 2, she is now in position to become the first Japanese woman to complete this event. This milestone represents breakthrough not only in Japanese sailing, but in the global offshore solo racing landscape.
The Challenge Ahead
The second leg delivers a radically different set of conditions: moving from the Atlantic's approach into the trade-wind corridor, sailors must navigate shifting weather systems, tropical seas, and intense physical and mental demand over multiple days at sea. The entire event covers some 4,000+ nautical miles in a vessel 6.50 metres long.
Follow the Journey
Fans can follow progress via: