In 2015, I had the opportunity to photograph offshore sailor Domenik Lenk for a personal athlete portrait series. We met in Douarnenez, Brittany, just days before the start of the legendary Mini Transat race. To capture the spirit of solo ocean sailing, we set out for a night at sea – just him, his 6.50-meter racing yacht, and the Atlantic swell.
The result: a raw and atmospheric photo series that reflects the solitude, focus, and intensity of a sailor preparing for one of the most demanding races in offshore sailing.
What is the Mini Transat?
The Mini Transat is a solo transatlantic race held every two years, covering over 4,000 nautical miles in tiny 6.50-meter boats (Mini 6.50 class). Sailors compete without GPS, external assistance, or contact with land – navigating from France to the Caribbean with only traditional tools and their instincts. It is widely regarded as one of the purest and toughest tests in solo ocean racing.
