Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé win the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy
by Tom Dolan Racing 17 Apr 14:43 BST
11-16 April 2025
Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé win the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy © Ancora
Consistent and steady from start to finish, Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé claimed victory at the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy this Wednesday in La Trinité-sur-Mer.
Across six races held in challenging and ever-changing conditions, the Kingspan duo delivered an impressive performance, securing two race wins and four second-place finishes. With unwavering consistency, they topped the overall leaderboard with determination, prevailing in a tightly contested battle against Édouard Golbery and Gaston Morvan.
"Winning always feels great!" smiled Tom Dolan. "There was a real fight with Édouard and Gaston — it definitely wasn't handed to us. The weather conditions were super tricky and changeable, especially today, with heavy squalls and wind ranging anywhere from 5 to 40 knots, under some wild clouds!"
Navigating in constantly shifting conditions, Dolan and Mahé kept it simple and effective:
"We focused on doing the basics well - tracking the shifts, staying alert. We had good starts and clean manoeuvres. My arms are sore, but for the right reasons!"
Already winners of the Spi Ouest-France in 2023, the two friends found that same winning synergy once again in La Trinité.
"Staying consistent was the goal - and we didn't finish less than second position in any race. We do regret a small mistake during the 24-hour offshore leg that gave Édouard and Gaston a bit of a lead, but overall, we're happy with how we sailed - clean and solid."
Victory, and no time to rest
This win is part of a high-paced, focused start to the season for Tom Dolan, who continues to show determination, intensity, and a hunger to improve. No time to slow down - as of tomorrow, he's back on the water for a training session with sailing legends Franck Cammas and Sébastien Col, as well as rising talent Eliaz Morineau.
A fast-track preparation before lining up on Friday for the 47th Spi Ouest-France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest, also in Quiberon Bay.
"The pace is intense, but I love it. More contact racing, more tactical experience - I'm learning so much," says the ever-enthusiastic Irish sailor.
With consistency, ambition, and non-stop progress, Tom Dolan continues to ride a strong and inspiring wave this season.