Dominik Lenk
Sailing since the age of eight, I first read about the Mini Transat in a magazine and have been toying with the idea ever since.
Two years ago I came to Southampton University, discovered the English yachting scene and decided to make the project Transat 6.50 a reality.
Since then a lot has happened: Crewed and short-handed, inshore and offshore races—I have been counting the miles, collecting experience and building the network that is necessary for a project like this.
Dominik Lenk
Originally from Germany, I learnt how to sail Optimists near Berlin. At the age of twelve, I moved to Amsterdam, saved up for my own dinghy and was quickly introduced to racing.
During my stay in the Netherlands, I also started to teach children at a local sailing school. Sailing is great, but being able to pass it on is even better…
After finishing the International Baccalaureate, the University of Southampton was a natural choice: After all, the Solent literally lies beyond the doorstep.
Alongside my studies and the preparations for the Mini Transat, I also work as a freelance illustrator and professional skipper.
The Plan
This winter I will buy and prepare a mini transat boat for the coming season. In Spring 2010 I will finish my course at Southampton and move into my very own 4m³ apartment with seaview.
From there on, for two years, most of my time will be devoted to training, qualification races and getting to know the boat and the competition.
This will continue right up to the start of the Transat 6.50 in September 2011.
NKE Shorthanded Team
I recently became a member of the NKE Shorthanded Team in preparation for the 2011 Transat 650.
The team brings together the best of Dutch shorthanded sailing. Together with NKE Benelux, quality marine electronics supplier, the Shorthanded Foundation provides monthly training sessions, workshops and seminars on topics such as sleep, food, navigation or project management.
All members of the NKE Shorthanded Team will be trained by Transat veterans Lucas Schröder, Koen van Esch and Jelmer Bouw.