Mini US

We previewed the fact that a U.S. Mini Class organization has been started, and we got a few questions in with Jack Boye, founder of the class. A lot of attention is being generated and we'll see what materializes. -Ed.

Tell us what the US Mini Class hopes to accomplish?

JB
Our first goal will be to make sailing fun and exciting for our class members. Mini boats and Mini racing offers sailors an opportunity to become immersed in the all facets of sailing. They can design, build, sail,navigate, repair and manage the racing campaigns of their own boats. To be a Mini sailor they must have or acquire all the skills and knowledge of a professional sailor. Members of the Mini Class will be the future stars of offshore sailing because of their daring, their skills and their character. Mini sailors are very much admired and respected in Europe. The Mini Class US will build a racing and educational program that will allow American sailors for the first time to train and experience the exciting sport of offshore short-handed sailing at a reasonable cost. The Mini Class will be the training ground for sailors who wish to compete in the professional Open Class racing that is so popular in Europe. I believe that our Class will produce sailors who can compete equally with the rest of the world's Mini sailors.

Are you affiliated with the French organization? why not?

JB
At this point we're not associated with the French Classe Mini. In time, after we're up and running I'll ask them about being part of the world Mini class. They have had years to gather an organization and gain experience. We won't try to reinvent the class but I'm sure we'll be different. In France the class is controlled by government regulation. This regulation does not nor will it extend to the Mini Class US. We don't need permission from the government to go sailing here.

To a lot people, these look like weird little boats. are they and how difficult are they to sail?

JB
Mini's are great boats to sail. They are 6.5 meters long ( 21.32 ft.) and have a beam of up to 3 meters ( 9.84 ft.). This combined with a 6.5 ft draft, a 2,000 lbs gross weight and a 39 ft mast and you've got a fat Open 60 to play with. Mini's feel like forty footers at sea. They are fast and powerful with surprising stability and sea kindly characteristics. This makes them easy to sail and lots of fun.

How do propose to get this class some momentum here in the states?

JB
We're going to build one boat at a time. Once we have six boats in a fleet we can join established races as our own class. When other sailors see the mini's on the water they are going to want to join the adventure. This year we hope to bring boats from France to meet the US demand. Soon Series and Prototype boats will be built in the US and Canada.

What is the cost for a guy to get a good used one of these things here?

JB
Used Mini boats can range from $25,000 to $75,000. The cost really depends on the type of vessel Series ( Production boat ) or Custom Prototype such as Jonathan McKee's boat and the age and condition of the vessel.

Do you see these being an east coast thing?

JB
No I don't. In 2004 I expect that we could see two or maybe three fleets of boats racing. Mini's will be racing on the Pacific ocean, the Great Lakes and here in the Northeast.

Do they have any other use other than their intended purpose?

JB
The Series boat is really a pocket racer, cruising boat. It has fixed bunks a small galley and porta potty. It can be trailored to races or distant cruising grounds.

Good luck and we hope to see some funny looking 21's sailing around!

JB
Thanks. Mini's won't be laughed at once they start passing day sailors on their way to offshore adventures. Trust me they're awesome.