Mini Mildness

It’s hip, it’s exciting, it kicks ass. So here’s the question: why aren’t more American sailors racing in the Mini class? In Europe, the Mini is a big, big deal, with a whole series of Mini races leading up to the big daddy, the solo Mini Transat. Some of the best ocean racing sailors in the world come out of this class. And the racing, particularly when you have little Minis on a big ocean, is intense and dramatic. Are we soft? Are we lame? Why aren’t we jumping into this class big-time (the more children I have, the more tempting it becomes)? Multiple-Olympic-medal winner Jonathan McKee got the Mini bug and almost won the 2003 Mini Transat (sadly, his mast dropped to the deck with the finish, and first place, almost in sight). But this is a class in which the US of A should be showing more flag.

“Hmm. This seems like a pretty good time…”

Happily, thanks to a group of dedicated American Ministas, there is finally a solid effort to get this class going in the U.S. There’s a Mini class racing in the upcoming Bermuda One-Two, and there are some American campaigns gunning for the 2007 Mini Transat. Go here to check it all out. And to give you just a taste of what it is all about, click into this great video, shot by a crew sailing the Mini Fastnet. Need more? Here’s another, a promo for UK Mini sailor Nick Bubb. More? Sorry. If you don’t get it by now, you never will. Stick to big crews and same ‘ol, same ‘ol...

Bonus video: In honor of the recent Nor’easter, here’s a classic Wetass video of a guy who knows how to adapt to the weather. Click here.

Have A Mini Weekend,

Tim Zimmermann