High-Stakes First Leg: Navigating Potential Risks
This Sunday at 3 pm, Tom Dolan and 36 other sailors will embark on the first leg of the 55th Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. This challenging 615-mile course begins in Le Havre and concludes in Gijón, with a passage by the Wolf Rock lighthouse off south-west England.
“The first part of the race is fairly clear. We know what’s going to happen: we’re going to exit the English Channel punching into the wind and currents. We’re going to get shaken about a bit so we’ll get straight down to business,” commented the skipper of Smurfit Kappa – Kingspan.
Tom described the start as “a good old all-nighter,” highlighting his comfort in tough conditions and his resilience against seasickness.
During this initial leg, he foresees no significant gaps opening up in the fleet. However, he anticipates that the dynamics will shift significantly as they enter the Bay of Biscay, where he expects the fleet to spread in various directions.
Indeed, the forecast for this region indicates uncertainty due to an inactive cold front and a ridge of high pressure, which is likely to create a complex racing environment.
“We’re bound to tie our minds in knots. We’ll need to be completely lucid to fully comprehend how the weather is evolving,” Tom expressed with confidence. He feels optimistic about the race and is eager for the competition to intensify during this first leg. According to the latest routing, he expects to reach the finish line in Spain on Thursday afternoon, completing the journey in exactly four days at sea.
To follow Tom during the race, click here for live updates. For more information about his journey and racing updates, visit his official website.
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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.