It began on October 8th 1977, when 24 boats left Penzance for Antigua, as an attempt to promote relatively affordable solo offshore racing. Since then, it has become known as a breeding ground for professional ocean racers. The "Classe Mini" boats may be small but they are also fast, surfing at 18 knots and capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots. Designed within "box" rules, there are few restrictions and so become a testing point for new technologies and design concepts.

The transat is not the only Mini race. Other class races include the Mini Fastnet, the Open Demi-Cle, Les Triangle du Soleil, the Mini Max, and the Transgascogne. Most start in France, some are double handed, all are challenging. However more than any other Mini race, the Mini Transat reduces sailing to its elemental factors: one ocean, one boat, one person.