The young Lanzarote sailor Alonso Pérez continues to take firm steps in his projection within ocean sailing. At just 18 years old and with a solid previous track record in dinghy sailing and offshore races, the athlete has begun his journey in the demanding Mini 6.50 class in 2026, one of the most competitive and formative on the international circuit.
This category, characterized by boats of barely 6.5 meters and by solo or two-crew competitions, represents a true technical and personal challenge. For Alonso, this new step represents much more than a sporting transition: it is an opportunity to grow as a sailor and acquire the necessary experience for his great objective, participating in the Mini Transat, the mythical transatlantic regatta.
An outstanding start to the season
In the first tests of the 2026 calendar, Alonso has managed to get on the podium in all the races disputed to date, also achieving victory in two of the four competitions completed.
These results currently place him in the first position of the Mini 6.50 class ranking in 2026, in a fleet composed of about 140 boats, confirming his rapid adaptation to one of the most demanding disciplines of ocean sailing.
On the way to the Mini Transat: a first-class oceanic challenge
The main objective of this project is participation in the Mini Transat, one of the toughest and most emblematic races in the world of sailing. It is a solo ocean crossing without external assistance, in which sailors cover more than 4,000 miles aboard boats of barely 6.5 meters.
The tour begins on the Atlantic coast of France, the traditional starting point of the race, from where the sailors face a first stage that takes them to the Canary Islands. This initial stretch already represents a significant challenge, marked by weather management, navigation strategy, and physical and mental endurance.
After the stopover in the Canary archipelago, the second and most demanding part of the journey begins: the Atlantic crossing. In this phase, participants set course for the American continent, sailing for weeks alone until reaching the Caribbean, in extreme conditions and with total self-sufficiency.
The Mini Transat is not only a competition, but a true test of survival and technical ability, historically considered one of the great gateways to the elite of international ocean racing.
For Alonso Pérez, the path to this regatta involves completing a demanding qualification program, accumulating miles and experience in the Mini 6.50 class over the coming months, thus consolidating a sporting progression that already stands out within the competitive landscape.
This project has the support of entities committed to the development of sporting talent in Lanzarote, such as Marina Rubicón, who accompany the sailor on this path towards the elite of ocean sailing.
