10/02/2026

Another Training in Heavy Weather Conditions

Intensive heavy weather training led by Genís took place this weekend at Base Mini Barcelona.

With strong winds and short, steep seas, the sessions focused on real offshore scenarios, including sail reduction under load, downwind control, broach prevention, and safe deck work in demanding conditions.

Last weekend also welcomed new sailors who have recently joined the base to begin their offshore preparation, giving them early exposure to real racing conditions and allowing them to integrate quickly into the training program.

The training forms part of Base Mini Barcelona’s ongoing offshore preparation plan, aimed at sailors preparing for solo races, qualification passages, and long-distance campaigns.

25/01/2026

Intensive Weekend Training in Heavy Weather Conditions

Last weekend, we completed an intensive training session with Nicolo under particularly demanding weather conditions.

Strong winds and rough seas set the stage for a realistic offshore training experience, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots on Sunday.

The session focused on boat handling in extreme weather conditions, sailing in heavy weather allowed sailors to test both their technical skills and their mental resilience, reinforcing the importance of preparation when sailing offshore in the Mini 6.50 class.

Despite the challenging conditions, the training proved highly valuable, working closely with Nicolo on the De-Briefing to understand how to trim properly the sails and the mast.

Facing strong winds and harsh seas provided lessons that are difficult to replicate, strengthening both seamanship and confidence ahead of future offshore challenges.

24/01/2026

From Dream to Deck: An Open Day Aboard a Mini 6.50

Base Mini Barcelona opened its doors to sailing enthusiasts and sailors dreaming of crossing the Atlantic with a special OPEN DAY EXPERIENCE aboard a MINI 6.50 race boat.

The event offered participants a rare opportunity to step on board one of the iconic offshore racing yachts, gaining firsthand insight into the boat’s design, equipment, and the unique challenges of solo ocean racing.

For many attendees, it was a chance to turn a long-held dream into a tangible experience.

Throughout the day, visitors exchanged with experienced sailors, asked questions, and discovered what life is really like on a 6.50 meter boat built to cross oceans.

From understanding onboard systems to imagining weeks alone at sea, the experience helped bridge the gap between curiosity and commitment.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as inspiring, motivating, and eye-opening.

The hands-on approach allowed both seasoned sailors and newcomers to better understand what it takes to prepare for an Atlantic crossing.

Following the success of the open day, Base Mini Barcelona confirmed its intention to organize similar experiences more frequently, bringing offshore sailing closer to the public and supporting those who aspire to take on one of the greatest challenges in ocean racing.

23/01/2026

Mini-Transat Race De-Briefing at BISC

Skippers from Base Mini Barcelona gathered for a dedicated debriefing meeting following their recent offshore race, sharing insights and reflections from their solo ocean experiences.

Drawing from their personal experiences, they offered an inside look at the realities of solo sailing, beyond the competitive aspect of the race.

The sailors shared stories about daily life on board, including managing physical fatigue, facing storms, and coping with isolation during long passages.

They emphasized how preparation, mental strength, and decision-making are just as critical as technical sailing skills when spending weeks alone in the open ocean.

The debrief provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges of offshore racing and to exchange knowledge gained during the race.

For Base Mini Barcelona, the meeting reinforced the importance of experience-sharing as part of the development and support of sailors preparing for the demanding world of solo ocean racing.

22/01/2026

The Skippers Meet Students of the "22 Dies en 22 Peus" program at Schools

The skippers from Base Mini Barcelona took part in two consecutive days of meetings with schoolchildren enrolled in the educational program “22 Days in 22 Feet”, an initiative that brings ocean racing into the classroom through the Mini Transat experience.

The sessions connected students with the world of solo offshore sailing, allowing them to follow the Mini Transat race while learning about navigation, weather, resilience, and life at sea.

Over the course of the two days, the skippers answered a wide range of questions from curious students, eager to understand what it truly means to sail alone across the ocean on a 6.50-meter boat.

For many students, the highlight was hearing directly from the skippers about the emotional side of solo sailing — moments of doubt, fear, and joy — and how they stay motivated when there is no one else on board to rely on.

The exchanges turned complex concepts like self-sufficiency, risk management, and perseverance into relatable lessons.

The “22 Days in 22 Feet” program aims to inspire young people through real sporting adventures, using the Mini Transat as a tool to spark curiosity and promote learning beyond traditional classrooms.

The involvement of Base Mini Barcelona skippers offered students a rare and authentic insight into one of the most demanding disciplines in offshore racing.

20/01/2026

Nicolo' Gamenara Joins the Training Team for Intense Weekend

This past weekend, Nicolo’ Gamenara officially joined the training team at the Base Mini Barcelona, taking part in a demanding and valuable training session aboard the MINI 6.50.

The session was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions, providing the perfect environment for high-level preparation and skill development.

Strong winds, unstable sea states, and constantly changing conditions tested both the sailors and their boats, pushing everyone to their limits. These are the kinds of sessions that help you grow the most, both technically and mentally. Throughout the weekend, the focus remained on boat handling, sail management, maneuver execution, and decision-making under pressure.

Each exercise was designed to simulate real offshore scenarios, allowing the sailors to improve their responsiveness, precision, and confidence. At the end of the training, detailed feedback was provided to all participants, highlighting strengths and identifying key areas for improvement.

This structured approach ensures continuous progress and sets clear objectives for the next weekend training sessions.

19/12/2025

Open doors days !!

As our sailors have returned from their Minitransat 2025, we will take the opportunity to organize some events at BISC to share with the public what the Base Mini Barcelona is.

Saturday 24th January 2026, afternoon: Experience Mini - come for a short sail with out of our mini sailors. Places here are limited.

Though we would like to take as many people as possible on Saturday, we will give preference to people with some sailing experience and mini project in mind.

Please bear in mind the MINI is not a gentle boat. Places will be confirmed with follow up email.

18/12/2025

Crossing the Atlantic: Real Stories from Base MINI Barcelona Skippers

BISC will host a special talk session with the skippers of Base MINI Barcelona, offering a rare and honest look into what it really means to cross the Atlantic solo.

This is not a talk about glossy highlights or perfect finishes. It's about the real experience offshore — the fear, the failures, the exhaustion, and the moments that test every limit, both physical and mental.

The skippers will share what life is like when sleep comes in fragments of minutes, when decisions are made under pressure, and when the ocean reminds you how small you really are.

These are the stories rarely told, but deeply felt by anyone who has crossed an ocean alone.

The evening will finish with an open Q&A, giving the audience the chance to ask questions directly to the skippers. Whether you're a sailor, a dreamer, or simply curious about life at the edge of human endurance, this is an opportunity to hear unfiltered stories and engage in an honest conversation.

Join us for an evening of raw stories, hard lessons, and deep passion for the ocean — straight from the sailors who have lived it.

23 January 2026 at 19:00

09/12/2025

Three New Sailors Join Base Mini Barcelona for a Sunny Three-Day Training Session

Base Mini Barcelona proudly welcomed new sailors to its community this week — Juan Olabarria Bermejillo, Alonso Pérez Fernández, and Alejandro Martín — marking an exciting step forward as the family continues to grow.

Their first official training took place over a beautiful three-day weekend that offered ideal sailing conditions: steady moderate winds, bright sunshine, and a lively but friendly atmosphere among the crew.

The newcomers quickly integrated with the rest of the members, joining group briefings, preparing the boats together, and heading out on the water for hands-on practice.

Over the course of the weekend, they experienced a mix of boat-handling exercises, speed work, and collaborative drills designed to build confidence and teamwork.

The moderate breeze provided the perfect environment—challenging enough to keep everyone focused, yet comfortable for new sailors learning the rhythm of Base Mini Barcelona's training style.

17/11/2025

Alejandro Martinez and Didac Costa winners of the Catalunya Offshore Championship

The duo demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork as they dominated the event.

Across challenging conditions that pushed even the most seasoned offshore sailors, Martínez and Costa maintained remarkable consistency.

Their ability to read shifting winds, manage boat speed, and execute precise tactical decisions proved decisive throughout the race.

Although the race is not part of the official Mini 6.50 calendar, the result marks an important milestone for Martínez and Costa.

The event provided valuable mileage, technical refinement, and team cohesion as they build toward their ambitions for the 2026 season.

15/11/2025

All the Base Mini Skippers arrived in Guadalupe

The excitement of offshore racing continues as some of the Base Mini Barcelona sailors arrived in Guadalupe following their remarkable participation in the Mini Transat 2025.

Their arrival marks both the end of an intense transatlantic challenge and the beginning of a well-deserved celebration among the international sailing community.

After weeks at sea, navigating challenging weather and testing their endurance across the Atlantic, several sailors from Base Mini Barcelona have already secured strong rankings in the race’s final standings.

As the first members of the team arrived at the docks, they were greeted by supporters, organizers, and fellow competitors.

The atmosphere in Guadalupe’s marina is one of celebration and respect, as sailors share their experiences from the crossing.

11) Cecilia Zorzi                              15 Days, 20 hours, 30 minutes and 15 seconds

16) Nicolo Gamenara                     15 Days, 23 hours, 49 minutes and 29 seconds

18) Hugo Ramón                            16 Days, 03 hours, 57 minutes and 56 seconds

29) Victor Sename                          16 Days, 15 hours, 03 minutes and 52 seconds

31) Ramón Ribera                           16 Days, 15 hours, 13 minutes and 28 seconds

32) Miguel Ángel Rondón              16 Days, 18 hours, 50 minutes and 40 seconds

42) Joan Trenchs                             17 Days, 20 hours, 50 minutes and 48 seconds

52) Anna-Liisa Talts                        18 Days, 17 hours, 20 minutes and 47 seconds

53) Roland Welzig                           19 Days, 07 hours, 03 minutes and 30 seconds

54) Gráinne Costigan                     20 Days, 02 hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds

13/11/2025

Anna-Liisa Talts Makes History: First Estonian Woman to Complete the Mini Transat

At just 31 years old, Anna-Liisa Talts has written a new chapter in Estonia’s sailing history.

Crossing the finish line in the quiet hours of the night, in the bay of Saint-François, she became the first woman from Estonia to complete the Mini Transat.

By finishing the race, Anna-Liisa joins an elite group of sailors capable of mastering this extreme environment—a group that, until now, had never included a woman from Estonia.

Returning home with this historic achievement to her name, Anna-Liisa Talts stands as a new icon of sailing and an inspiration to adventurers around the world.

02/11/2025

Training Weekend with the New Coach Genís Hontoria

This past weekend marked an exciting new chapter for our Mini 6.50 program as we completed our first official training sessions under the guidance of coach Genís Hontoria.

Over the two days, sailors focused on refining maneuvers, optimizing sail trim, and improving overall boat handling in varying wind conditions.

Genís brought his extensive offshore racing experience and technical knowledge to the team, introducing new training methods that emphasized precision, consistency, and performance under pressure.

The result was a productive and motivating weekend that set a strong foundation for the upcoming racing season.

25/10/2025

Mini-Transat 2025 Sets Sail from La Palma

The second and final leg of the Mini-Transat 2025 has officially begun from Santa Cruz de La Palma, in the Canary Islands.

The fleet set off this morning on the transatlantic crossing to Guadeloupe, marking one of the most challenging stages in solo ocean racing.

After a well-deserved rest and technical stopover in La Palma, the skippers now face more than 2,700 nautical miles of open ocean, heading west towards the Caribbean.

The fleet is expected to reach Saint-François, Guadeloupe, in about two to three weeks, depending on the wind conditions.

As the adventure unfolds, all eyes are on the sailors who dare to take on the Atlantic alone following in the footsteps of generations of ocean racing pioneers.

15/10/2025

🇦🇷 RADIONAUTAS Crew from Argentina Visits Base Mini Barcelona

Base Mini Barcelona had the pleasure of welcoming the RADIONAUTAS crew from Argentina for a special visit to our facilities.

The purpose of their visit was to discover the spirit of the Mini 6.50 projects, gain insight into the unique world of ocean racing, and highlight the shared passion that unites sailors from around the globe.

This exchange offered a valuable opportunity to share ideas, stories, and future ambitions, strengthening the international bonds within the sailing community.

At Base Mini Barcelona, we believe that the ocean is a powerful connector, bringing together adventurers, innovators, and dreamers from every corner of the world.

04/10/2025

The New Training Season Kicks Off with Gentle Breezes

The much-anticipated sailing season has officially begun, as the first training sessions took place this weekend under calm and sunny conditions.

With light winds setting the scene, skippers fine-tune their boats and ease back into the rhythm of offshore racing.

Early sessions focused on boat handling, sail trimming, and testing the onboard systems.

Throughout the day, the fleet enjoyed smooth sailing and clear skies, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere for the weekends of training ahead.

As the season progresses, crews expect stronger winds and more challenging conditions, but this gentle start has set a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting year on the water.

27/09/2025

First leg of the Mini-Transat cancelled due to a hurricane

The first leg of the race has been cancelled due to the proximity of Hurricane Gabriel.

Safety always comes first, and we are relieved to confirm that all of our sailors are safe and currently sheltered in Portuguese ports.

Once the danger has passed, the fleet will continue its journey towards La Palma, where the adventure will resume and competition will officially restart.

While the ocean has reminded us of its strength, the determination of our sailors remains intact and ready to set sail again as soon as conditions allow.

21/09/2025

Start of the Mini-Transat 2025

The long-awaited moment has arrived: the Mini-Transat 2025 has officially begun and we are proud to see the Base Mini Barcelona so strongly represented on the ocean race.

From the starting line, our nine sailors set out with determination, each one carrying not only their own dream but also the spirit of the community that has supported them throughout their preparation.

The fleet is now heading into the open sea, where every mile will test their skills, endurance, and courage.

For our sailors, this marks the beginning of an extraordinary Atlantic adventure, one that combines personal challenge, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence in offshore sailing.

20/09/2025

The Team at Les Sables d'Olonne

Just days before the start of the race, the spirit at Base Mini Barcelona is filled with excitement and determination.

The nine members of the Base are now fully prepared to set sail, having spent months training, fine-tuning their boats, and supporting one another.

In the coming days, they will begin their Atlantic crossing, a challenge that represents not only a sporting milestone but also a personal adventure for each sailor.

With the skills gained at the Base and the strength of the community behind them, they are ready to face the ocean and all that lies beyond the horizon