Tom Dolan Newsletter - February 2024

Amarris crew ahead of the NIJI40 transatlantic race - (L-R) Pep Costa, Gildas Mahé, Tom Dolan © Eléonore Villers

While much of 2023 was marked by the two trips to Tom's home waters for our two Round-Ireland record attempts which were complemented by our partner sailing days in Dublin Bay, the real theme of 2024 will be competition.

The primary objective is to achieve the best positions in the French Elite offshore racing championship. And so Tom's preparation for 2024 are already well under way following a full winter training program.

And this goal is only possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, namely Smurfit Kappa, Kingspan, Dubarry of Ireland and Guy Cotten, for whom we are deeply grateful.

Thank you all, to our sponsors, supporters and partners, and fair winds to all.

A busy 2024 sporting season

Aboard his Figaro 3 Smurfit Kappa - Kingspan Tom Dolan will compete in the 5 races comprising the 2024 French Elite Offshore Racing Championship, with the highlight of the season being the legendary La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, the pinnacle event of the championship and the season.

For his seventh consecutive season in the Figaro class, Tom Dolan will be keen to use his experience to achieve all that he can in each race of this new season.

And not only Figaro

Tom Dolan has also been offered the incredible opportunity to take part in in the NIJI40 transatlantic race which starts April 7 from Belle-Île-en-mer (Morbihan), France heading across to Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe).

This 3,430 nautical mile (6,353 km) race will take place on the Class 40 Amarris, which recently finished second in the Transat Jacques Vabre. Tom will sail it with two other "Figaristes", good friends of his, Gildas Mahé and Catalan Pep Costa.

This international crew (French, Irish, Spanish) will be among the race favorites. Tom has adapted his winter fitness training program to prepare for bigger boats, with heavier sails and bigger loads across the board.

So there is a great experience to look forwards to for Tom Dolan, which will undoubtedly enhance his allround racing skills.

Last but not least

Remember the two record attempts around the island of Ireland last year?

Well, we are preparing a surprise for you with a great upcoming event...

We won't tell you any more, stay tuned, you'll find out everything in the next newsletter!