The North American Mini Association’s first West Coast Mini Transat 650 Race from Victoria to San Francisco was held in July 2008.  Although the race was planned to be two legs, SH Victoria to San Francisco & DH San Francisco to San Diego, extreme weather conditions off the Oregon coast led to the RC delaying the start for four days. 

“...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... .TONIGHT...N GALES 35 KT WITH OCCASIONAL GUSTS TO 45 KT. WIND WAVES 8 TO 11 FT.”

Given the time constraints the race was changed to one leg, DH, Victoria to San Francisco.

Although three Zeros arrived in Victoria to start the race, (530, 655 & 726) the RC’s safety concerns and change of dates resulted in only two boats starting.  USA655, Skyweb Express (ex-Rapid), with Craig Horsfield (skipper) & Tom and CAN 726, Antidote, Andy Abel (skipper) & Adrian Blunt on Antidote.

On July 9, 2009 at 13.00 hrs the first North American Mini Association, Minis only race was underway with both boats under jib & reefed mains in 25 kts gusting to 30.  While there were some periods of light winds the conditions throughout the race were challenging with winds of 25 - 35+kts and big waves.  Both boats had a number of knock-downs but there were no gear failures.  The ride was wet & wild all the way down the coast. 

Skyweb Express (USA 655) crossed the finish line in front of the Golden Gate Yacht Club at approximately 19.15 on July 16. Rounding the breakwater, the team brought the boat alongside the guest dock at the St. Francis Yacht Club where they were greeted by the enthusiastic shouts of the West Coast Race ground crew.

Skipper Andy Able and crew Adrian Blunt on (CAN 726) Antidote came under the Golden Gate Bridge at about 02:00.  Fighting an ebb tide and light winds they crossed the finish line at 03:06 on July17.  Andy and Adrian, sailing the brand new Zero series Antidote" (CAN 726) endured some rough days at sea but dug deep to persevere and finish only 7hrs and 51mins behind the well prepared and well sailed winner.

Both Zeros demonstrated their sea-worthiness and ocean racing potential in the 7 day race. The winner completed the 1,000 nautical miles in 174 hrs at an average speed of 5.74kts.

(Commentary by the SA W Coast Mini Race)