Two Irish sailors will start the Mini-Transat 2025 from Les Sables-d’Olonne on Sunday (September 21st), joining 90 competitors in one of sailing’s toughest solo races. Gráinne Costigan, from Sutton, will race Sea Fever, aiming to become the first Irish woman to complete the event. Mark O’Connor, 26, from Dublin, hopes to be the youngest Irish sailor to cross the Atlantic alone. The Mini-Transat is seen as a proving ground for sailors hoping to progress in ocean racing. The start is scheduled for 2:30 pm Irish time on Sunday.