Diane Reid Enters 2011 Mini Transat 6.5

Diane Reid's first sail on her new Mini Transat 650 Ocean Racer announced that she is competing in the 2011 Mini Transat 6.50 (also known as the Transat 650). The Transat 650 is one of the largest participated offshore races in the world with upward of 100 boats.

"My goal is to have the right sponsor and support team behind me so that I am the best prepared when I show up at the starting line," said Diane. "Having confidence in my team means I can focus on the race and winning!"

Diane's training schedule, and qualification series, for the Transat 650 includes four major regattas, of which three of them she will sail single-handed and one will be double handed: June 2010, Bermuda Ocean Race Annapolis to Bermuda (double handed); July 2010, Route Halifax Saint Pierre Race; July 2010, Lake Ontario 300, and September 2010, Bahamas qualifier.

"I started single-handed racing because I wanted a change from going around the course with the same boats and the same circumstances," added Diane. "I don't remember where I first learned about the Mini, probably from all the books I've read about great sailors starting their careers in Minis. I know that winning this race has become my dream. I want to go further and faster!"

When Diane is not campaigning, she owns her own business doing marine application upholstery and completing boat repairs and installations. She will be at the Toronto Boat Show in January displaying a Transat 6.50 Mini at the Competition Yachts booth.

The Mini Transat 6.50 (also known as the Transat 650) is the first transatlantic sailing race for single-handed yachts 6.5 metres in length. With up to 100 competitors, it brings the largest fleet of offshore racing yachts to a starting line in the world.

The race is approximately 4,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean – from France to a stopover in the Canary Islands and then to Brazil. It is considered the little sister of the bigger ocean races, with the same or even tougher conditions. For more information visit: http://www.classemini.com/