55th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 Day 2: Highlights and Updates
55th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 Day 2
French sailing star Alexis Loison leads the first stage of the 55th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.
During the early hours, Loison, racing through familiar waters, navigated the strong tidal currents of the Cherbourg-Cotentin peninsula and Alderney’s Raz de Blanchard. At 39 years old, he is considered a master of racing in the English Channel, holding a lead of just over half a mile with about 45 nautical miles remaining to the turn south at Wolf Rock lighthouse.
An accomplished sailor, having won the Rolex Fastnet Race and previously clinching victory in La Solitaire, Loison has extensive experience in these challenging tidal waters. He reflects on the English Channel as an environment that teaches sailors invaluable lessons, emphasizing its unpredictable nature, which can change from sunny skies to storms in an instant. The Raz Blanchard, known for having Europe’s strongest currents, poses particular challenges to competitors.
Currently, Loison maintains a small advantage over Lois Berrehar, who secured third place overall in the previous year’s competition. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Tom Dolan is showing strong performance, sitting comfortably in fifth place after having been as low as 13th during the day’s race. Spain’s Pep Costa is in 14th position, a mile behind Dolan, having previously raced across the Atlantic with him.
Germany’s Sanni Beucke has demonstrated solid racing, fluctuating between 19th and 21st place during the initial stages of the event.
Race Director Yann Chateau explained that Loison’s choice to stay south contrasts with some competitors like Basile Bourgnon, who opted for a more northern route. As the competitors tack west-northwest, the wind is beginning to shift, allowing for a more optimized passage to Wolf Rock.
The fleet is anticipated to reach Wolf Rock around midnight local time. Following this, they will encounter favorable winds of around 20 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots. The winner of the Intermediate Sprint of the first leg of the race awaits rewards at this rocky light.
As they progress towards Gijón, competitors will navigate upwind across Biscay, where projected routings indicate significant lateral distances along the coast of Brittany.
Louise Acker, racing under her own team label, has successfully reached Cherbourg but was forced to abandon the leg after striking a rock.
In the Défi Paprec, the double-handed race following the same course to Gijón, Britain’s Ellie Driver and David Paul are positioned in fifth place, trailing by about 7 miles, while Mexico’s Carlota Alonso Alexnader and JC Belausteguigoita are in seventh place. The American team featuring Cat Chimney and Aina Bauza Roig from Spain is currently in eighth place.
Basile Bourgnon expressed that calmer sea conditions allowed for much-needed rest. The wind averaged around 13 knots, providing a manageable close-hauled sailing experience.
Chloé Le Bars noted challenges faced during the night due to a leak but mentioned improvements in conditions that may enhance her performance as she attempts to get back into the competitive fray.
How to Follow the Race: For continuous updates, keep an eye on coverage from official event channels.
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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.