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55th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Underway
International skippers Tom Dolan from Ireland (Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan) and Spain’s promising young sailor Pep Costa (VSF Sports) began the 55th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec with a strong and purposeful start from La Havre.
On this notable day, the race commenced under grey skies and winds of 15-18 knots, testing the sailors’ skills in clean and tidy sail and boat handling on the short inshore circuit. The 37 competitors are embarking on the first leg, a 615 nautical mile race to Gijon in Northwest Spain, where the leading teams are expected to arrive by Thursday.
Dolan, 37, is taking on his seventh consecutive challenge in this classic French multi-stage solo race. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Costa, hailing from Barcelona, has made a significant comeback after missing a year due to funding issues. He has gained valuable experience in Class40 and Ocean50 multihulls, as well as working on weather routing for the Transat Jacques Vabre and ARKÉA ULTIM CHALLENGE-Brest. Costa is returning to the circuit with new sponsors and just finished as runner-up in the crewed Tour Voile.
Morvan Leads the Way
Gaston Morvan (Région Bretagne-CMB Performance), one of the top title contenders, spearheaded the fleet’s departure from Le Havre, receiving the award for being the first to pass the Paprec buoy. Costa placed sixth, while Dolan was eighth. The opening stage of this year’s challenging race promises to be quick but will require tactical and technical expertise as skippers navigate conditions likely to be complicated by very strong tidal flows.
The current field includes a significant number of Bizuths, with 16 first-time rookies participating, underscoring the race’s growing popularity and the Figaro Beneteau 3’s role as a vital stepping stone into higher classes. Many accomplished Figaro sailors have transitioned to the Ocean50 multihull fleet, emphasizing the Figaro’s importance in developing solo sailing skills before moving on to the world of IMOCA 60s.
Top Contenders
Among the standouts is Gaston Morvan, who is making his third appearance in La Solitaire. He won the Bizuths prize in 2021 while finishing seventh overall, followed by placing fifth in 2022 and fourth last year. Other notable contenders include 22-year-old Basil Bourgnon, on his third participation, who finished second previously, and Lois Berrehar, who secured third overall in 2023. Veteran sailor Alexis Loison, beginning his 18th race at 39 years old, is also considered a strong competitor.
Dolan has been well-prepared and optimistic about achieving a top-five finish this time, following his successful warm-up period with strong performances in key solo offshore races. He is confident and well-equipped, having taken time off in the summer to prepare for this pinnacle event.
International Competitors
Joining Dolan and Costa are two additional international skippers: Germany’s Sanni Beucke (This Race is Female), a 49erFX silver medallist from the 2021 Olympics making her third attempt, and 21-year-old Swiss rookie Anaëlle Pattusch (Nemo), who is advancing from the Mini 650 into the Figaro, a class she previously raced double-handed and crewed.
This edition’s three stages are all over 600 nautical miles long, starting with the first leg expected to finish after four nights in Gijon. The subsequent stages include a 605-mile race from Gijon to a waypoint southwest of Cape Finisterre, followed by a 620-mile leg from Royan to La Turballe. Notably, this year introduces Défi Paprec, a double-handed option for young sailors seeking experience, similar to the cycling Tour de France’s Tour Etape.
Race Insights from the Competitors:
Pep Costa (ESP) VSF Sports expressed his excitement mixed with nerves, emphasizing the importance of strategic tacking along the Cotentin peninsula and managing the unpredictable conditions that will be encountered in the Bay of Biscay. Tom Dolan highlighted the challenges posed by shifting weather patterns expected during the race, stressing the significance of making informed decisions at critical junctures.
Gaston Morvan shared his determination to navigate the initial leg smoothly while avoiding any mistakes, focused on achieving a comfortable lead compared to his competitors as the race unfolds. Basile Bourgnon spoke about the importance of being well-prepared from the start, particularly during the tricky passages involving various maritime challenges. Lastly, Sanni Beucke looked forward to breaking into the top 20 and enjoying the overall experience.
How to Follow the Race:
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
