Katrina qualifies for Mini
Aussie heads for Mini Transat startKatrina Ham, a Brisbane girl who has had a passion for sailing since high school, has qualified for the 2013 Mini Transat, already viewed as one of the world’s toughest races.
Set to begin in October, the Mini Transat involves 84 sailors racing tiny 21ft (6.4-metre) yachts across the Atlantic Ocean, from Douarnenez, France, to Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean.
Their only stop-over is scheduled for the Canary Islands.
After getting the letter confirming her qualification and a place on the start line Katrina said on her blog site: " I got the letter all mini sailors dream about. It is from Classe Mini saying they accept my qualification passage, which means it is now confirmed I have qualified for the 2013 Mini Transat and have secured one of the prized DCQ (of only 6 for internationals) places!
"Qualifying for the Transat in one year has been challenging and lead to a couple of intense months. Then after having a less than ideal 1000nm qualifier which I had doubts over (especially the celestial nav!!) it was a great relief to get my letter.
"That said, getting qualified and a place on the line is only half the battle. So the hunt is on for more partners and I am now looking to get stuck into the long list of boat work to make sure 785 is ready to take on the Atlantic.
"I am also looking forward to returning to Australia for the Sydney International Boat Show [Katrina will be speaking at the Show]. It has been a while since I was home and I can’t wait."
The Mini Transat yachts are devoid of luxuries; no toilet, no galley, no bunk and class rules forbid the use of computers and GPS, with all communication done via VHF.
No one could ever accuse Katrina of lacking passion for the sport; she has done everything within her power to be involved, including moving around the world in a never ending hunt for sailing opportunities.
After studying sports management on the Queensland Gold Coast, Katrina took her first international adventure in Mexico after which she moved to Sydney to further her quest for competitive sailing. She is now living in Lorient, France the 'home' of Mini Transat.
To follow Katrina's journey to the Transat, go to www.katrinahamracing.com.
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