The Mini Transat returns to La Rochelle in 2027 and opens a new chapter in its history
by Mini Transat 8 Jul 19:30 BST
La Rochelle, France © Christophe Breschi
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the Mini Transat, set to start on September 12, 2027, is opening a new chapter in its history. One of the most iconic solo offshore races will make its return to La Rochelle as its departure port, reconnecting with a territory deeply rooted in its DNA and driven by an exceptional collective momentum, further strengthened by the arrival of Legallais as title partner for the next two editions.
Created in 1977, the Mini Transat has become far more than an ocean race. A true laboratory for offshore racing, it has revealed generations of leading sailors and remains a unique adventure where passionate amateurs and future professionals take on the very same challenge: crossing the Atlantic alone aboard a 6.50-metre sailboat. More than a competition, it has become, over the decades, a true rite of passage. For some, it is the gateway to a career in offshore sailing; for others, it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream of solo ocean racing. For everyone, it is a deeply transformative experience. The Mini Transat remains one of the last great authentic adventures of our time, and it is one of the reasons why every competitor returns forever changed by this extraordinary crossing.
The 2027 edition builds on this remarkable legacy while embracing new ambitions. After departing from La Rochelle, the skippers will sail to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the finish of the first leg, before setting off across the Atlantic to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, the final destination of this edition and a historic finish port for the Mini Transat, which welcomed the race six times between 2001 and 2011. Three great maritime territories united by the same ocean adventure, offering the race a course worthy of its heritage.
La Rochelle's bid was supported by a strong local coalition bringing together the Communauté d'Agglomération de La Rochelle, the City of La Rochelle, SEM La Rochelle Tourisme Événement, the La Rochelle Marina Authority, La Rochelle Nautique, and the Centre d'Excellence Voile, alongside the firm commitment of the cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Salvador de Bahia. This collective mobilisation reflects the region's clear ambition to strengthen its position as a leading maritime destination. Following major investments in school sailing programmes, the development of an Offshore Racing Hub, the success of the Fêtes Maritimes de La Rochelle, and supported by one of Europe's largest marinas and a world-class marine industry cluster, the Mini Transat perfectly embodies this momentum and will engage local communities in a popular, sporting and unifying adventure.
This new momentum is further strengthened by the arrival of Legallais, France's leading distributor of products for building professionals, as the race's title partner. Already deeply involved in offshore sailing for several years, the company brings valuable experience and a strong understanding of the sport while sharing the Mini Transat's core values of commitment, boldness, perseverance and authenticity. From now on, the event will officially be known as the Mini Transat Legallais.
Ahead of its 50th anniversary, the Mini Transat Legallais reaffirms its position as one of the landmark events in offshore sailing. Backed by a committed host region, dedicated partners and a course linking La Rochelle, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Salvador de Bahia, the 2027 edition is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable in the race's history.
Olivier Falorni, President of the La Rochelle Urban Community and Mayor of La Rochelle, said, "Seeing the Mini Transat return to La Rochelle is a real source of satisfaction for our region, whose identity is deeply shaped by its connection to the ocean. This race has launched generations of skippers and, for many of them, marks their very first solo ocean crossing. The Mini Transat and La Rochelle share many of the same values: an openness to the world, a spirit of adventure, resilience through innovation, and the ability to be the starting point for great stories. It therefore feels only natural that the race should return to the waters of our harbour. I would also like to welcome Legallais as title partner for the next two editions. This partnership reflects the confidence placed in both the organisation of the event and our region, and sets the stage for a 2027 edition full of adventure and emerging talent."
Antoine Grau, President of La Rochelle Événements Maritimes SAS, the organising body for the 2027 and 2029 Mini Transat Legallais, said, "Welcoming a title partner more than a year before the start of the race, one that is already firmly established in the world of offshore sailing and shares the values that define our event, further strengthens the collective momentum that has developed around this project in La Rochelle. It gives us every reason to believe that the 2027 Mini Transat Legallais, departing from La Rochelle, will be an exceptional edition."
Philippe Casenave-Péré, President of LEGALLAIS (a GROUPE GRAND COMPTOIR company), said, "Our Legallais Team Voile project has reached a historic milestone. By becoming title partner of the Mini Transat, we are reconnecting with the very roots of offshore performance and maritime craftsmanship. It is a return to the fundamentals that perfectly reflects the DNA of our multi-specialist company."
Thimothée Villain-Amirat, President of the Mini Class, said, "The Mini Class was delighted to entrust the organisation of the Mini Transat to Antoine Grau and his experienced team, with complete confidence in their ability to deliver a world-class event. The announcement of Legallais as title partner further strengthens our confidence that the 2027 edition will be a great success. All the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place, and that's extremely encouraging. Returning to La Rochelle for the start and racing once again across the Equator is truly exciting for the sailors. As the Mini Transat celebrates its 50th anniversary, it deserves the support of partners who share a genuine passion for the sea."
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