The return of the Portugese

We recount the story of struggling Portugese solo sailor Ricardo Diniz who will set out across the Atlantic on his Mini in October

From 1996 to 1998 Ricardo and Ken worked together learning the boat, the route and searching for sponsors. Ricardo had hoped to be the youngest, fastest, non-stop, westabout solo circumnavigator ever. Everything was set to leave on September 30th 1998. This was the final day of the world EXPO held in Lisbon under the theme ‘'The Oceans'. It was also the International year of the Oceans and the year Portugal celebrated its 500 years for the Discoveries era. The stage was set but it was not enough. The 'big' sponsor never came and Ricardo never left the dock.

He sailed to the Caribbean and went from boat hand to Super Cat skipper in a matter of days. He then sailed to Annapolis, USA where he set up a second project. This time he was close to buying the Open 50 Magellan Alpha but funding let him down again. And again. And Again. It has taken a total of six years and as many failed projects for Ricardo to finally be on his way.

Early last year Ricardo partnered with Pembrokeshire College in Wales. One of the college's most dynamic departments is the maritime unit based in Milford Haven where they can build anything, as long as it fits through the door. With a modern CAD suite, students use the most advanced software and facilities in what is a very hand on approach to education. There wasn't much money, but there was a great common desire to achieve something special. So they built a Mini Transat yacht as part of the final year degree course in Yacht Design and Construction. Designed by Merfyn Owen, who was principle designer of Ellen MacArthur's Kingfisher and using a female mould kindly lent by Ian Munslow, the most advanced materials and building techniques were used. Working closely with Owen, the students personalised the boat to Ricardo's needs, and built what Ricardo calls 'a better Mini'. Over 100 kilos lighter than Ian Munslow's sistership, mostly due to the extensive use of nomex, carbon and vacuum baging. Owen himself admits he is gobsmacked by the quality of the build and the finish.

But it was not an easy ride. On many occasions the build was stopped due to lack of funding. And while the students did their best with the little funding available, Ricardo was busy in Portugal with the rest of the team securing solar panels, fittings, sails - and a title sponsor.

Gelpeixe, Portugal's leading frozen fish and sea food brand was eagerly welcomed on board in May. With this last minute cash injection the students worked around the clock to complete the boat inside the term time.