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Tom Dolan: “Remain Humble Right to the Wire”
This Sunday, 8 September at 2 PM local time, Tom Dolan and his fellow competitors will embark on the third and final leg of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. This leg has been extended by 100 miles from the initial program, making it a challenging race with bracing conditions expected throughout.
"It’s a hefty chunk of racetrack that awaits us—seven hundred miles is equivalent to the Round Ireland race, which is no small feat. Although we’ve participated in even longer races before, the English Channel is known for its intensity. I thrive in boisterous conditions when I’m in a favorable position, but I must stay humble right up to the finish. The race will be lively for four days, and it’s crucial to execute things properly as any gear failure could be costly," Tom stated.
The race will begin with a long beat toward the Occidentale de Sein, where the wind is predicted to be very fluky. Tom emphasized the importance of making the most of the slight wind fluctuations and timing their tacks perfectly, as finding the ideal trajectory won’t be easy. He anticipates minimal downtime during this final stretch, where making small gains will be critical to ensure speed is prioritized.
"We’ll likely spend a lot of time at the helm and may not get out of our drysuits at all during the race. To improve my protection against the elements, I’ve added a cuddy to my boat," shared Tom, the skipper of Smurfit Kappa – Kingspan, who aims to maintain his lead and secure victory in this 55th edition of the race.
Tom highlighted the importance of pace and the right sail choices, especially between Skerries Bank (to the east of Start Point) and West Shambles (offshore of Weymouth). He will have to carefully decide between using the small and large spinnakers while ensuring smooth maneuvering. Although he’s eager to compete, Tom aims to focus on the process rather than the outcome, stating, “We’ll see where we stand at the end.” Currently, he holds a lead of 57 minutes and 32 seconds over the second boat—a significant but not overwhelming cushion given the challenges ahead.
The verdict of this intense competition is expected to unfold overnight on Wednesday into Thursday.
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Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.
