Tom Dolan Aims for Back-to-Back Wins at La Solitaire du Figaro in August

11th July 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Tom Dolan at the helm during a previous race, aiming for victory in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec as he defends his title

Tom Dolan, the reigning champion of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, is set to defend his title in the 56th edition of this prestigious sailing race next month. Having secured victory in 2024, Dolan seeks to become only the third sailor to achieve back-to-back wins since the event's inception in 1970.

Dolan stated, “For the past few seasons, focusing on results hasn’t been the priority, and that’s worked well for me. I think I’ve accomplished my dream—to win La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.”

This year, 34 skippers, including 12 rookies, will compete on an extraordinary course starting on August 30th. The event attracts both seasoned sailors and ambitious newcomers, all vying for success in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

Among the competitors is Charlotte Yven, a rising star looking to make history as the first woman to win the race. She emphasises, “After a top five last year and two Transat Paprec wins, I want to aim even higher.”

Alexis Loison, participating for the 19th time, has a best finish of fourth and said, “Of course, I dream of victory. The fleet is incredibly competitive—even those less well-known are very skilled.”

The race promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing talent across both veterans and newcomers. The start line is set, and the excitement builds as sailors prepare for the challenge ahead.

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Published in Figaro, Tom Dolan

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Ireland & La Solitaire du Figaro

The Solitaire du Figaro, was originally called the course de l’Aurore until 1980, was created in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault.

Half a decade later, the race has created some of France's top offshore sailors, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new boat equipped with foils and almost 50 skippers Including novices, aficionados and six former winners.

The solo multi-stage offshore sailing race is one of the most cherished races in French sailing and one that has had Irish interest stretching back over 20 years due to the number of Irish stopovers, usually the only foreign leg of the French race.

What Irish ports have hosted The Solitaire du Figaro?

The race has previously called to Ireland to the following ports; Dingle, Kinsale, Crosshaven, Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

What Irish sailors have raced The Solitaire du Figaro?

So far there have been seven Irish skippers to participate in La Solitaire du Figaro.

In 1997, County Kerry's Damian Foxall first tackled the Figaro from Ireland. His win in the Rookie division in DHL gave him the budget to compete again the following year with Barlo Plastics where he won the final leg of the race from Gijon to Concarneau. That same year a second Irish sailor Marcus Hutchinson sailing Bergamotte completed the course in 26th place and third Rookie.

In 2000, Hutchinson of Howth Yacht Club completed the course again with IMPACT, again finishing in the twenties.

In 2006, Paul O’Riain became the third Irish skipper to complete the course.

In 2013, Royal Cork's David Kenefick raised the bar by becoming a top rookie sailor in the race.

In 2018, for the first time, Ireland had two Irish boats in the offshore race thanks to Tom Dolan and Joan Mulloy who joined the rookie ranks and kept the Irish tricolour flying high in France. Mulloy became the first Irish female to take on the race.

Tom Dolan in Smurfit Kappa competed for his third year in 2020 after a 25th place finish in 2019. Dolan sailed a remarkably consistent series in 2020 and took fifth overall, the best finish by a non-French skipper since 1997 when Switzerland’s Dominique Wavre finished runner up. Dolan wins the VIVI Trophy.

Dolan finished 10th on the first stage, 11th on the second and seventh into Saint Nazaire at the end of the third stage. Stage four was abandoned due to lack of wind.

Also in 2020, Dun Laoghaire’s Kenneth Rumball became the eleventh Irish sailor to sail the Figaro.

At A Glance – Figaro Race

It starts in June or July from a French port.
The race is split into four stages varying from year to year, from the length of the French coast and making up a total of around 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles (1,700 to 2,300 mi; 2,800 to 3,700 km) on average.
Over the years the race has lasted between 10 and 13 days at sea.
The competitor is alone in the boat, participation is mixed.
Since 1990, all boats are of one design.