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Experience, Speed, and a Solid Lead for Tom Dolan in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 3
17 August – 15 September 2024
Course Adjustments for an Exciting Finale
In a thrilling development, the final stage of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec has been extended to a remarkable 710 miles due to predictions of fast, windy conditions. This change follows the shortening of Stage 2 as light winds were anticipated. Race Direction is determined to provide the remaining 36 solo racers with a challenging course, marking it as potentially the longest stage in the event’s history.
Sailors will enjoy essential rest and recovery time in Royan before embarking on the last leg of the race. The route takes the fleet from Royan at the mouth of the Gironde Estuary, heading north to Occidental de Sein and the Pointe de Bretagne, before crossing the Channel to Skerries Bank off Dartmouth. Competitors will then round the East Shambles cardinal buoy off Weymouth and Portland, ultimately racing to the finish line at La Turballe, situated on the Loire Atlantic coast, west of Saint Nazaire.
Forecasts indicate a challenging upwind journey to Skerries, where competitors will face a cold front with winds reaching the high 20s in knots. As they progress from East Shambles, conditions may lighten as they approach the finish, where the 2024 La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec champion will be crowned.
Dolan Holds a Significant Advantage
Tom Dolan from Ireland currently leads the race with a time advantage of 57 minutes and 52 seconds, bolstered by a five-minute bonus for winning the Intermediate Sprint. He is followed closely by Gaston Morvan and Charlotte Yven, who is poised to make history as the first female sailor to reach the overall podium. Dolan also has the potential to become the first non-French winner since 1988, when Swiss sailor Laurent Bourgnon claimed victory.
Despite the pressure, Dolan remains focused and grounded, acknowledging his extensive sailing miles and experience in robust conditions. “I’ll put on my oilskins and go and see what I can do. I feel rested and ready,” Dolan stated. He emphasizes the importance of strategy, stating, “It will be a good, breezy leg with a good old-fashioned pounding to finish off the race. It’s crucial to play the windshifts and take care of both the boat and myself.”
He is particularly attentive to sail selection and performance, highlighting the need for balance and control during the intense conditions ahead.
Race Director Insights
Yann Chateau, the Race Director, explained, “This last leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec looks set to be a good start for the skippers. The first part will be upwind to the Occidentale de Sein in winds of 15 to 20 knots. The Channel crossing should be very fast, navigating through the passage of a cold front.”
His insights indicate that strategic navigation and maneuvering will be key factors in determining success on this challenging leg of the race. As competitors prepare for the final stretch, anticipation builds for an exhilarating conclusion to this prestigious sailing event.
How to Follow the Race:
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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.
