"Today, I have fulfilled a dream. I've been working really hard for this for two years, and it's the best day of my life." - Alicia de Pfyffer
On November 10, 2025, Alicia de Pfyffer was the first woman across the 2025 Mini Transat finish line, coming in 10th overall on her 6.5-meter boat, Little Wallaby. She completed the grueling transatlantic journey in 15 days, 17 hours, 47 minutes, and 1 second — a feat that demanded skill, determination, and unwavering focus.
Every mile of the Atlantic tested her resolve, and every tracker update kept the Quantum team on the edge of our seats. From start to finish, we cheered, celebrated, and felt privileged to support her on her journey.
"We're incredibly proud of Alicia and her remarkable Mini Transat performance. Finishing 10th overall is an outstanding achievement, and it's been a privilege to support her on this journey. We always knew she had it in her, and she proved it by meeting the challenge and conquering it. We're equally proud of all the Quantum-powered sailors who took on this incredible race—finishing alone is a victory." — Gildas Dubois, Quantum Sails Designer
In the Mini Transat, Sailors navigate without support or modern communications, relying entirely on their skills, strategy, and resilience. The opening leg from France to the Canary Islands can mean tough upwind sailing in heavy seas, requiring a versatile mainsail with multiple reefs and a reliable jib. Though interrupted this year by a hurricane, the fleet still sailed on to the second leg, the Atlantic crossing toward Guadeloupe. This crossing is dominated by downwind trade-wind conditions, where big kites become essential for speed and endurance. "The race is really two different challenges," Quantum Sail Designer and Mini expert, Gildas Dubois, explains. "You need strong, dependable sails to survive the first leg, and then durable, fast downwind sails to carry you thousands of miles across the Atlantic." Gildas and Alicia collaborated to develop a sail plan that would support Little Wallaby across the spectrum of conditions, prioritizing simplicity of handling for a solo sailor.
When interviewed at the finish line, Alicia recounted the difficulties the course presented, with a light air start building into stormy conditions offshore. "We had to keep the boat running and make sure we didn't break anything," she said. "We heard that some boats were dismasting, boats that have the same mast as me. It was scary. I was sailing well, I felt good on board, and I knew that my boat was well prepared."
Alicia described the difficulty and intensity of the last few nights of her race, making her final decisions and pushing toward the finish. When speaking to the Mini Transat team at the finish, she said, "Last night, I didn't let go of the helm; it was impossible to go to sleep."
Even though the Mini Transat is a solo race, Alicia had a companion. In the final two days, Alicia recalled a bird landing on her boat and staying with her until reaching shore. "He came to land [on the deck] and he never left. We made the trip together. I would tell him, ‘We'll be there soon.'"
With this goal achieved, Alicia's 2025 Mini Transat campaign comes to an inspiring close, reflecting not only her exceptional skill and determination but also the many hands, minds, and voices that supported her journey. Among them, Quantum is honored to have played a small role in the collective effort that helped her achieve this milestone.
Other Quantum-equipped finishers include:
Series:
- Victor Le Roy, 943, 13th series - Partial Quantum Inventory
- Gabriel Bouan, 963, 17th series - Main, Jib, A2, A6
- Calliste Antoine, 1097, 34th series - Fully Quantum Powered
- Clothilde-Marie Bernard, 1071, 43rd series - Main, Jib
- Sophie Delannoy, 917, 51st series - A2 Jib
Prototype:
- Matéo le Calvic, 96, 8th proto - Jib, Gennaker
- Pierre le Roland, 312, 22nd proto - A6
- Marin Ferrey, 304, 25th proto - Main, Jib
- Ambre Hasson, 618, 27th proto - Partial Quantum inventory: Main, Code 0
Photos: Manon Le Guen/Quantum Sails