Sayer Soldiers On

Here is the latest from Chris Sayer regarding his entry into the 2003 MiniTransat. Those who know him have nothing but good things to say about him, and some are even expressing that they have no doubt that this man will become a giant of solo sailing.

He has nothing left now except a good boat and his integrity and his honor intact. Perhaps this is more than can be said for the organisers who could have and should have found a way for him to compete. It has been suggested they changed their rules to suit themselves, thought that Chris would give up, but they underestimated this man. He has been royally shafted, but still he shows his support for a class, a race, and a sport that he believes in. Chris will bounce back from this and you might see him next in an Open 60 busy tanning some French hide. Good times.

Well once I have started something, I have to finish it, so even without an entry, rightly or wrongly, I am going to try to sail across the Atlantic beside the mini. I do this alone and outside of the mini transat, without the organizers aggreement.

At the start of the mini I will stay well away from the start area and will start well after (1 hour) the race yachts so as not to disturb the start.

We have tried very hard to gain an entry, but Affaires Maritimes will not let more than 70 boats start so there is nothing that Classe Mini, GPO, or I can do.

We must remember that this is a great event and that there are 70 racers that all have worked hard and earned the right to be there. Also there are a lot of other people who have worked very hard to make what is a special and exciting event happen. We must not let my sad story take away from this, and must stay positive and work towards making the class and race stronger and better.

Under the 2003 mini rules I could have entered as a Wildcard. The new DCQ requirements came in too late for me to get from the other side of the world in time. What can I say except that this is now history and we must move on, and if we can, learn from it.

During the Prologue at no stage did I cause an obstruction. As asked, I started outside the start area, we were to leeward and about 20 seconds late on the extended line. We stayed out of the way of the other boats during the race and in fact slowed down at the last 2 marks to keep out of the way.

I will try my hardest to have a fast and safe Atlantic crossing. The race organizers are worried that it will take away from the race if I do well. I will have to ensure that my story does not have a negative impact. I do not think the organizers have too much to worry about when there are people like Samuel Manuard, Pierre Rolland, Richard Mýrigeaux, Frýdýric Duthil, Alex Pella, Sébastien Roubinet (I stop now as the list of good people and boats in the race is too long and scary) racing.

Please no detrimental press regarding classe mini and the race in general on my behalf.

It has been a long and hard 2 1/2 years and now, it cannot end well for me. To all the people who have helped and supported me thank you and I am sorry to have let you down.

But for the people of the mini I hope with all my heart you have a great race and carry on with doing such wonderful things.

Regards
Chris Sayer, NZL403.