Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan says he feels “relancé” and ready ahead of the 57th Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, which starts on 17th of May. The Kingspan skipper returns to the French solo racing classic after the disappointment of last season, when a wrist injury forced him to retire early while defending his title.

This year’s race features three stages covering almost 1,700 nautical miles between France, Spain and Portugal. A fleet of 36 solo sailors will contest legs from Perros-Guirec to Vigo, Vigo to Pornichet, and Pornichet to Le Havre.

Dolan said the earlier timing of this year’s race suits him after last year’s frustration. “After what happened last year, it’s good that the race comes early,” he said. “It allows me to bounce back quickly and not carry it through the whole season.”

The Irish sailor said his winter preparation alongside boat preparer Gildas Mahé has left him in a strong position ahead of the demanding offshore contest. “I feel better and better,” Dolan said. “Everyone is a bit behind at this stage of the season, but I feel slightly less behind than the others.”

Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé train hard ahead of Figaro start. Photo: Eléonore Villers

Dolan won the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in 2024 and says returning without the pressure of being the defending champion may work in his favour. “Last year I put a lot of pressure on myself,” he said. “Winning twice in a row is extremely difficult. This year I’m back as an outsider, and that suits me very well.”

The route includes several technically demanding sections around the Spanish coast and the Bay of Biscay. Dolan expects the Vigo passages and final stage to Le Havre to prove decisive.

“The passages around Vigo can quickly create huge gaps,” he said. “You really have to respect those stages.” He added that tidal strategy and traffic separation schemes near Ouessant and the Casquets could shape the final leg north to Le Havre.

Now preparing for his ninth Solitaire campaign, Dolan says enjoyment remains central to his approach. “I want to experience this Solitaire as if it were my last,” he said. “When you enjoy yourself on the water, the results often follow.”