Irish Sailor of the Year Tom Dolan is gearing up to defend his title in the 2025 Solitaire du Figaro. The race begins this Sunday, 7th September, in Rouen.
Dolan made history in 2024, becoming the first non-French and first Irish sailor to win the race. This year, he faces a competitive fleet once again in his eighth Solitaire du Figaro.
The 2025 edition features three legs, starting with a passage around Ireland’s Fastnet Rock. The finishing line is in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France, after two stops.
Despite his past success, Dolan remains cautious. “Winning last year doesn’t guarantee anything,” he stated. He focuses on small improvements in his boat setup.
Dolan emphasises the importance of staying present. “I try not to dwell on the past or look too far ahead,” he added. He believes in respecting the process of improvement.
His boat bears a unique message: “détache-toi,” meaning "detach yourself." Dolan explained it serves as a reminder to focus on the current plan rather than the race outcome.
As Afloat reported in March, Dolan has announced his ambition to join the starting line of the 2028 Vendée Globe, so whether he makes a successful defence this month or not, it is likely Dolan will be on a different tack next season.
This solo single-handed round-the-world sailing race, non-stop, is regarded as the ultimate test of ocean racing.
The Vendée Globe campaign costs, including the purchase cost of an IMOCA 60 yacht, amount to several million euros.
After eight seasons in the notoriously demanding Figaro class and having cut his teeth in the Mini class, Tom Dolan is ready to take on a new chapter. His goal? To become the first Irish sailor to finish the Vendée Globe.
