The Younget Irish Person to Cross the Atlantic Solo!
Mark O’Connor is a 25 year old Dublin native living in France to fulfil his goal of completing the Mini Transat race. Following in the footsteps of Solitaire du Figaro Champion Tom Dolan, who started his career on the Mini Circuit, Mark has now completed two seasons in the Mini 6.50 and has qualified for the SAS (Les Sable de l’onnes – Acores – Les Sables de l’onnes) race this summer.
Mark finished his full time job in January 2025 where he worked as an electronic engineer but he now turns his focus exclusively to his preparations for the Mini Transat (Trans Atlantic) race.
The Mini Transat is a bi-annual race created in 1977 with the aim of reconnecting to the adventurous spirit of the first transatlantic races. In it's 25th edition, racing will start on the September 21st, 2025. It is a solo race, in which competitors are not allowed to use electronic assitance and must circumnavigate the crossing using charts and daily weather forecast that a broadcast once a day across radio channels. This event is a real school of ocean racing, where the skipper must be versatile and autonomous to move his boat forward despite the demands of the exercise.
The crossing will take place in two stages, starting from the town of Les Sables d'Olonne, with a stopover in Santa Cruz de La Palma in the Canaries, then arriving in Saint-François in Guadeloupe.
Mark’s time is currently spent training both on water and land, seeking sponsors, attending preparation courses and preparing his boat for what will be a very tough sail. If Mark is successful in his endeavour, he will become the youngest Irish person to race solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Living in Lorient, Brittany has allowed mark to train with higher ranked sailors in the Mini 6.50 Class. His performance has improved from 23rd to 9th in the fleet during the 2024 racing season and Mark is set to compete in the upcoming Mini Fastnet Race which takes place in June from Douarnenez, France and the Trans Gasoyne Race in July.
Stay up-to-date with Mark's campaign through his socials @marksmini650 and @irishsailing