La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 3: Start of the Exciting Sailing Challenge
La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 3 Start
17 August – 15 September 2024
Conditions on the Gironde Estuary were perfect for 36 solo racers who started the decisive third and final stage of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec off Royan.
Towering cumulus clouds and brisk breezes of 14-17 knots sent the fleet on its way for the 710 nautical mile leg, which heads north into the English Channel. The route will take them past landmarks such as Skerries bank off Dartmouth and the Shambles East Cardinal off Weymouth and Portland before finishing at La Turballe on the Loire Atlantic coast.
At the top of the leaderboard, Ireland’s Tom Dolan (Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan) started strongly, holding an overall leading margin of just over 57 minutes. By 1600 hours local time, he was just 0.5 miles behind early leaders Loïs Berrehar (Skipper MACIF 2022) and Basile Bourgnon (Edenred).
A challenging beat is expected as they navigate the northwest Brittany coast tonight, with skippers needing to accumulate rest in anticipation of a demanding 36 hours in the English Channel.
Dolan kept a close watch on his nearest rivals, Gaston Morvan (Région Bretagne CMB Performance) and Charlotte Yven (Skipper MACIF 2023), while he remained in contact with them throughout the race.
Loïs Berrehar (Skipper MACIF 2022) and Élodie Bonnafous (QUEGUINER – La Vie en Rose) were the first to round the initial course mark, with Berrehar winning the Windchaser by Bollé Trophy at the clearance buoy.
Morvan and Yven’s follow-up, Hugo Dhallenne (YCSL – Primatice – SLB Pharma) and Martin Le Pape (DEMAIN), are positioned to challenge Dolan’s lead, sitting 1 hour 6 minutes and 26 seconds, and 1 hour 6 minutes and 49 seconds behind respectively.
On the rookie front, 18-year-old Tom Goron (NAVALEO), who ranks 10th overall, is leading the BENETEAU rookie classification after two stages.
Quotes from the Racers
Gaston Morvan (Bretagne region – CMB Performance): “I feel good. I slept well. I am a little stressed by the conditions, the stage, and the stakes but I am ready to fight. The stakes are the podium, the stage victory, and the overall win. It’s all up for grabs.”
Charlotte Yven (Skipper MACIF 2023): “I am well rested, ready to give my all on this stage. I want to approach it as a race in its own right and aim for a good sail and good decisions.”
Tom Dolan (Smurfit Kappa – Kingspan): “I’m in great shape and ready to go. Maintaining a focus on the weather and shifts while looking after myself and the boat is key.”
Annaëlle Pattusch (Switzerland – NEMO): “There will be strong winds on this last stage. I have to manage my race and ensure I don’t push too hard.”
Sanni Beucke (GER – This Race is Female): “It is going to be windy. Safety will be paramount, and I need to stay focused on my maneuvers and keeping the cockpit tidy.”
Pep Costa (ESP – VSF Sports): “This is a significant leg, challenging but I feel good and want to stay focused. The key will be managing the upwind sections and navigating the channels correctly.”
How to Follow the Race
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.