Y.C. Host from Vis was organizer of Adriatic regatta which was held for the weekend 1st of May. Great new initiative trying to revive this very old and almost forgotten regatta!!!

After winter preparations, 232 was launched at the end of March, in his homeport Tribunj. We worked away to finish jobs prior defined and started with first trainings at sea, after winter “dry“ gym preparations and running on neighboring hills.

First impressions were very satisfactory because mini with new mast, sails and lighter keel bulb was much faster than before. But that's just a hunch. For real results where we'll measure up with competition, which has no doubly spent winter in speeding up their boats, we need to wait for first regattas of this class. 

My Mini's public promotion was at the Croatia Boat Show in Split and Y.C. Mornar where I have, with help from Jakov Krstulovic, participated at Mornar cup. This stick regatta has once again convinced me that my boat is not for this type of regattas and I have promised myself I won't participate at such regattas in future.

Regatta, just like made up for class of Mini was Adriatic regatta, which took place weekend after Mornar cup. I have participated on its very challenging route Vis – Dubrovnik- Palagruza – Vis, some 230 nm,  with great pleasure 

Organizer of this regatta, Y.C. Host from Vis, has suited my inquiries and allowed my solo appearance with great competition – boats not less than 12 meters. Mini's speed with light wind downwind was very surprising and for few moments I have been a threat to much bigger boats. At the end I was very satisfied with 9th place and great training for new sailing season which I'll begin at the end of May in Port Camargue in the Mediterranean. May 22 nd is Mini jauge when rigorous jaugers will check all changes I've made on my boat. Stability test of big and small inclination will be checked and I'm very much looking forward to see how will my 232 return to its initial position after being under the 90 ° angle with 48 kg at its mast.  List of additional rules and equipment for Mini’s are even longer this year. 

First performance is May 26th in Port Camargue  in the Mediterranean at route 110 nm solo. After it Mini will be transferred by road to Douarnenez in Bretagne where I'll participate at Trophee MAP, 220 nm solo and legendary Mini Fastnet, 700 nm for two at very demanding route around mythical lighthouse by Irish coast along with 100 other boats from Mini class. Boat will stay at golf of Biscay for additional trainings and preparations – Transgascogne regatta, 500 nm from Spanish Santander and back, while final goal of the season is Transat 6,50 which starts September 16th from La Rochelle.  

Since this year is 30th anniversary of Transat 6,50 or Mini Transat, there is big crowd at start list. All older competitors with bigger number of sailed miles are in advantage. “Marina Tribunj” 232 and I have all conditions satisfied for MT but at the moment we are at the waiting list, slowly but safely going toward the top. Due to all expectations, we have great chances for appearance. The most important is to be prepared and patiently wait for the end of season, when those not ready to cope with Atlantic will drop off. Waiting is very stress and exhausting but it is also a part of this very thorny way towards finishing biennial project. This is just one of my temptations till the end of this October when whole story should be finished.

From this moment's point of view, great success will be achieved by getting start number on 30th anniversary of this legendary regatta, and after it to finish it with success.

Till next update

Regards, Sime