Ireland’s Tom Dolan will return to defend his reputation when the 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro starts from Perros-Guirec this weekend. The Kingspan skipper, who won the famous solo offshore race in 2024, is among the leading names in a highly competitive 36-boat fleet preparing for the 2027 edition.
This year’s race begins earlier in the season than usual, with sailors facing a demanding opening leg across the Bay of Biscay to Vigo in Spain.
Dolan returns after a frustrating 2025 campaign, which ended early due to a wrist injury. The Irish sailor remains one of the standout contenders in a fleet mixing experienced veterans, ambitious young skippers and returning stars.
The La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec fleet assembled in Perros-Guirec ahead of the opening stage to Vigo, Spain, in the 57th edition of the offshore classic. Photo: Vincent Olivaud
French sailor Nicolas Lunven is back after previous victories in 2009 and 2017. Loïs Berrehar also returns after narrowly missing overall victory in 2024.
Adrien Hardy, competing in his 12th Solitaire, brings extensive experience with five stage wins to his name. “The timing was perfect for my return,” Lunven said. “I’m coming back to enjoy myself and above all to do my very best.”
Other leading contenders include Hugo Dhallenne, Paul Morvan, Alexis Thomas and Tom Goron, all aiming for podium places in one of offshore sailing’s toughest races.
Morvan believes this year’s edition could be one of the most open in recent memory. “When I saw all the incredibly talented skippers who will be racing, I immediately thought this would be a very tough Solitaire,” he said.
Ten rookies join the fleet this year, including Marie Gendron, the only female newcomer in the solo race.
The Anglo-Saxon contingent remains strong, with Dolan joined by Britain’s Ellie Driver, Oliver Hill and Joss Creswell, along with American sailor Erica Lush. The event also includes the third edition of the Défi Paprec double-handed competition, with six mixed crews racing the opening stage alongside the solo fleet.
The 1,660-nautical-mile course is expected to deliver tactical racing, changing weather systems and close competition across all three stages.
