08.10.2026
Carla is 18, lives in Kiel, Germany, and has a big goal: In 2027, she wants to sail solo across the Atlantic in the Mini Transat. From France via the Canary Islands to Brazil, aboard the world's smallest offshore racing yacht and without any outside communication. That impressed us. So we've come aboard as a sponsor (quite literally: our logo is displayed on the mainsail).
Carla is no stranger to the sea. In 10th grade, she spent six months aboard a traditional sailing ship, crossing the Atlantic twice. Today, she sails the Bahia Express 551, a carbon-fibre prototype built in 2005.
Her first season with her own boat has been impressive. This summer, she competed in the Mini Atlantique, crossing the finish line in Les Sables d'Olonne. At the Duo Concarneau, her first double-handed regatta aboard her own boat, several things broke along the way. But giving up wasn't an option. Instead, the crew made repairs, kept sailing and managed to overtake numerous boats towards the finish. They finished 5th out of 8 in the Proto class, achieving the best result among the older prototypes. To round off the season, Carla secured 2nd place in the Chrono 6.50 around the Île de Groix.
Over the winter, the Bahia Express will head to the boatyard. But that doesn't mean it's time for a break just yet. Before the boat goes in for its winter refit, Carla still has a few training sessions planned. How many she can fit in will depend on how much work the boat needs. In 2027, further training sessions and qualifying regattas will follow, before the Mini Transat gets underway in autumn. We're excited to follow her journey and wish her every success.
"We've followed Carla's season with great enthusiasm. During the race in Concarneau, several things broke, but she simply made the necessary repairs and kept sailing. At MAS, we say that we carry on where others stop. Carla embodies exactly that spirit, which is why we're delighted to support her all the way to the starting line."
– Steffen Schmigalla, Managing Director of MAS GmbH
Want to follow Carla's journey? You can find her on Instagram at @carla.towardsthehorizon and on carlatowardsthehorizon.com, where she shares her adventures. She's also still looking for additional sponsors to support her ambitious endeavour.
Fair winds and following seas, Carla!
