Stage 2 of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Shortened Due to Light Winds Forecast
Stage 2 of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Shortened Due to Light Winds Forecast
Thirty-six solo racers are set to begin Stage 2 of the 55th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec this Sunday. This leg, now adjusted to a 515-mile passage from Gijón across the Bay of Biscay to Royan, has been shortened by approximately 90 miles due to anticipated light winds. The original plan to navigate around Cape Finisterre has been revised, with boats now expected to turn back north at the small rocky island of Sisarga, located west of La Coruña. The second stage will commence at 14:00 hours.
Sailors will initially face the challenges posed by the high cliffs and turbulent waters along the rugged Spanish coast. From the outset, they will contend with unstable winds that can fluctuate in both strength and direction.
Yann Chateau, the Race Director, explained, "We anticipate a clear weather situation at the start of the second stage, though conditions may become more complex closer to the finish. The race will begin with a light wind flow of 5 to 8 knots from the northwest, followed by what is expected to be a very calm first night. A cold front should move in early on Monday morning. The leading racers will gain speed and head towards the newly designated course mark at Sisarga, before making their way directly to Royan with a north-northeast wind. However, the latter part of the journey carries significant uncertainty, with varied forecasts from both European and American weather models."
The projected race duration is between 3 days, 12 hours, and 4 days, 12 hours. Chateau expressed hope that sailors would reach Royan by Thursday, allowing them a full three nights of rest. He acknowledged that this second leg would be mentally and physically demanding.
As competitors gear up for Stage 2, the time differences within the top 16 racers are minimal. Basile Bourgnon (EDENRED) currently leads overall, boosted by a 3-minute time bonus for finishing second at Wolf Rock. His computed advantage stands at 1 minute 59 seconds ahead of Loïs Berrehar (Skipper MACIF 2022), who was the first to arrive in Gijón. Ireland’s Tom Dolan (Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan) is positioned 10th, trailing the leader by 5 minutes and 31 seconds, while Spain’s Pep Costa (VSF Sports) holds the 16th spot, 7 minutes and 33 seconds behind.
Insights from Competitors:
Loïs Berrehar (Skipper Macif 2022): "This leg won’t be easy. Usually, we navigate the Bay of Biscay from Brittany to the Caribbean, but this time we’re making the journey from east to west, which is a first for me. The conditions along the Spanish coast will be challenging, particularly given the traps we might encounter. There’s uncertainty regarding the finish, especially with potential storm cells affecting the Bordeaux basin and the Royan coast."
Martin Le Pape (DEMAIN): "Initial routing indicates a finish on Wednesday evening or Thursday, which aligns with our goals. I understand and support the shortening of the course due to calm conditions. Regardless of the weather, my focus remains on adapting effectively and aiming for a podium finish."
Tom Dolan (Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan): "The previous leg was manageable, and I managed my energy well. While the beginning was intense, sailing out of the English Channel was smooth. With the weather looking complicated as we leave the Spanish coast, we’ll encounter a cold front, and uncertainty looms over the Bay of Biscay. The pressure from the Azores high and thermal depressions around Bordeaux could influence the race dynamics significantly."
How to Follow the Race
Stay tuned for updates as the competition unfolds and the sailors tackle the challenges of Stage 2. Follow the journey of these skilled solo racers as they navigate through shifting weather patterns and strategic maneuvers en route to Royan.
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.