Transatlantic Record Cádiz-Bahamas

Aina en la línea de salida

With a journey of 30 days, 22 hours, and 34 minutes, Aina Bauza, the sailor from the Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx, has made history by setting a new solo transatlantic sailing record in a monohull. She departed from Cádiz towards the Bahamas on March 3, 2024. The World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC), the body responsible for certifying world sailing records, has verified this achievement. Aina became the first person to complete this solo voyage between Cádiz and San Salvador in a monohull, the first woman to do so, and the first sailor in a 21-foot (6.5-meter) boat, at just 29 years old.

The route

The goal of the challenge was to cover the nearly 4,000 nautical miles separating Cádiz from San Salvador via the Canary Islands solo, without stops and without assistance. Aina covered approximately 4,800 miles in 30 days, with peak speeds reaching 18 knots. Weather conditions forced the navigator to take a more southerly route in search of the Trade Winds. ‘The weather didn’t allow me to take the shortest route; I had to head much further south to stay in the area of favorable winds and cover many more miles than expected.’

The boat

“The boat has responded very well, I feel very comfortable and connected to it after so many miles.”

The 1063 is a 6.5-meter long and 3-meter wide vessel. It was launched in April 2022 and has since sailed over 14,000 miles. It’s a Vector, a Mini 6.5 model designed by Etienne Bertrand and built in Poland at the Yacht Service Poland shipyard. Its rounded bow draws attention, allowing it to glide effortlessly over waves, particularly benefiting from downwind winds like the Trade Winds in the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the 30-day challenge, this compact vessel has been Aina’s home. In its cramped confines, she has slept, eaten, and lived, covering over 4,000 nautical miles on her journey.

A live storytelling

Aina has been sharing her entire journey live on social media and now plans to share this experience in a short documentary to be produced in the coming months, narrating what it was like to live aboard a 6.5-meter boat for a month without the usual comforts: no bed, kitchen, or bathroom. Throughout these 30 days, thousands of people have experienced Aina’s adventure through Instagram, Facebook and Youtube, following along every step of the way.

February 5th

 Departure from Les Sables d’Olonne

The boat was in Les Sables d’Olonne after a season of regattas in France, and the first challenge was to transport it to Cádiz in the middle of February. Aina had to make stops in Getxo and Gijón due to various storms.

February 24th

Arrival in Cádiz

The Redó arrives in Cádiz, where the fleet of the Real Club Náutico de Cádiz welcomes Aina with open arms and accompanies her in the final preparations for the challenge 

March 3rd

Crosses the starting line

The Redó leaves Cádiz and crosses the starting line on March 3rd at 12:15 UTC, heading towards the Canary Islands accompanied by the fleet of the Real Club Náutico de Cádiz and a bay filled with sailing vessels.

April 3rd

Arrival in San Salvador, Bahamas

After 30 days, 22 hours, and 34 minutes, Aina Bauza crosses the finish line in San Salvador, Bahamas, an island with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, where she is welcomed by her family and friends.

April 7th

Boat transfer to Florida

After just 4 days ashore to rest a bit and prepare the boat again, the 1063 sets sail for Florida in a two-person navigation with the American Stacey Barnes.

April 22nd

The Redó returns home

The mini begins its journey home aboard the cargo ship from the Peters & May fleet, heading towards Mallorca.

“I have sailed alone, but this would not have been possible without all the support received.”

The partners have been key

This project has had the support of numerous sponsors and partners, among them,  Ànima Negra stands out as the main supporter of Aina from the beginning of her oceanic career, and other Mallorcan companies such as Astilleros de Mallorca, whose support was essential in preparing the boat for this challenge. In addition, B&G sponsored the onboard electronics, Omniaccess provided satellite connection, PL Sails contributed with the design of sails specifically for the Redó, and Robline handled the rigging, while Peters & May transported the Redó back to Europe. Other indispensable collaborators have been the Club de Vela Port d’Andratx, Gill Marine, Riggin Workshop, SailOnGreen, Balearic Helicopters, Alize Boats, Ronstan, Ajunatment de Marratxí, Alisios Sailing, Synergy Inox, Genasun, NV Charts, Aku Palma, Loft Customs, Expedition Marine, Predict Wind, Torveo Fotografía, Canariaswaypoint y BCS Correduría de Seguros. You can find the details of all of them on this website.