page_title: Mini Transat 6.50
section_title: Criticism
hierarchical_section_title: Mini Transat 6.50 / Criticism
caption_attribution_description: Le 6.50 Classe Mini "Groupe Actual" à l'arrivée à Salvador de Bahia (Brésil) en 2007
context_page_description: Mini Transat 6.50 also known as Transat 650 is a solo transatlantic yacht race, and associated Classe Mini class, that starts in France and ends in Le Marin bay, Martinique in the Caribbean. The race covers over 4,000 miles with a stop in the Madeira or the Canary Islands. The yachts are very small considering the scope of the race, and are sanctioned by the Miniclasse 6.5 organization and material specifications, which make the mini Transat 650 boat an open design.
  The race runs on odd-numbered years, and was most recently completed in 2019. Sailors had to qualify by covering one of two specified 1,000 mile courses along with having 1,500 miles of ocean racing experience, much of it solo.
context_section_description: In response to the perceived challenge of sailing small high-performance single handed boats, Classemini has created rigorous trials, equipment, and inspection requirements to add sanity to the race.  Also, it might be said that the division within the class, production vs. prototype, unnecessarily divides the race. The mini Transat remains a largely French race with only about 30% non-French racers.
  The 650 class is admitted to be a "test bed" for mechanisms to be used on bigger and far more expensive open classes.  On the other hand, David Raison's Mini introduces a whole new hull shape with its 2011 victory, which may, in fact, revolutionize open ocean racing if not sailing altogether; and the 2011 race suffered no casualties.
caption: View to cockpit from stern
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