History
In 1977 the first ever Mini Transat took off from the UK bound for Antigua and English harbour on the opposite side of the Atlantic. The first leg to the Canaries was simply a Qualifier, such that if you did not make that leg of the voyage, you could not start the final 3000-mile trip across the big blue. The boats were simple and the rules basic but the fun factor and challenge was high. 23 yachts set out on that first grand adventure. Read the full 1977 Race Report here. The concept was borne from the huge expense of Ocean racing back in the day so why not put on a solo ocean race in small affordable and competent yachts affordable for all.
The McIntyre ClassGlobe 5.80 One Design concept starts with the design of a simple, fun to sail Plywood-Epoxy yacht, that anyone can build, anywhere in the world. Conceived by Don McIntyre and designed by Polish Sailor, Designer Janusz Maderski (who specializes in small ocean-going yachts), hull number 01 is currently under construction in Poland.
Having an LOA of 5.80m x Beam 2.23m and Draft 1.4m, average speeds over 100 miles a day are expected. With keel, rudder and spars removed, everything fists easily inside a standard 20ft shipping container. The McIntyre ClassGlobe 5.80 can legally be towed on its own road trailer with keel attached. It can sail from anywhere and transport to or from any country with ease.
Class Globe 580 Hull no.1 Trekka first testing sails
44 years later and the Mini Transat has evolved into even more exciting racing with Class Mini 6.50 yachts setting off from France to across the Atlantic every two years. Still in 22ft Yachts the original concept has been turned on its head. A race winning yacht can cost upwards of Euro 300,000!! Not quite the original idea of BOB Salmon the founder of the Mini Transat but non the less a pretty cool event!
The Class Globe 5.80 has evolved from the principle of returning once again, to a simple affordable competent ocean voyaging yacht that can race as a One Design Class and bring real adventure and challenge to ordinary sailors. The Globe 5.80 is also designed to race around the world and preform on all points of sail, not just as a