The hull hums, the water rushes past: training stroke on the Baltic Sea, Germany's first Mini-Transat finisher Lina Rixgens sits at the helm. The young woman is beaming as her new boat, a Wevo 6.5 mini 6.50, races across the Kiel Fjord on this Wednesday in summer 2020. YACHT is also on board to accompany the 25-year-old for a little while as she trains for her next big challenge.
In a year's time, in autumn 2021, Lina Rixgens wants to take part in the legendary Mini-Transat once again and conquer the ocean between Europe and America in this boat that seems far too short. An incredible 120 square metres of sail area are possible on a downwind course.
The then 22-year-old medical student already showed what she was capable of at her premiere in 2017.
After two legs and a good 3,000 nautical miles, her final position was in the bottom third of the 80 or so starters. Nevertheless, Rixgens made German sailing history by being the first German woman to cross the finish line of the legendary transatlantic regatta - and one of the youngest skippers from Germany to do so.
In the meantime, more and more sailors, especially young ones, are becoming interested in the Mini-Transat adventure. Three have qualified for the 2021 race so far, including Lina Rixgens. Now that she has finished her medical studies, she has a clearer head, a newer boat and a greater wealth of experience. The Atlantic awaits.
Read in the new YACHT 21/2020 what it feels like to race across the Baltic Sea in a 6.50 metre short rocket, what goals Lina Rixgens has set herself for the Mini-Transat 2021 and what hurdles she still has to overcome on the way there. The magazine is now available at newsagents and in the Delius Klasing shop or can be ordered directly here as a digital edition.
