Tom Dolan flies to the finish in Course des Caps
by Tom Dolan Racing 7 Jul 11:55 BST
Tom Dolan finishes 5th in Course des Caps © Tom Dolan Racing
Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan has completed the Course des Caps in an impressive 5th place, racing aboard the IMOCA 60 Charal alongside legendary skipper Jérémie Beyou.
The 2,000-nautical-mile race saw the fleet battle light winds early on, before Dolan and his crew came into their own as heavier conditions arrived.
"Once the breeze filled in, Charal really came alive," said Dolan. "We were absolutely flying around the top of Scotland - at one point we hit 38 knots. That's the fastest I've ever sailed."
After a challenging start, the heavier weather proved ideal for the powerful foiling IMOCA, allowing the team to gain ground and finish strongly. "I really enjoyed sailing with this crew," Dolan added. "Jérémie brings so much experience, Lou's energy and youth really lifted the team, and Nicolas knows the boat inside out as the engineer. We had a great laugh together. I'm already looking forward to teaming up again for the Fastnet Race."
The boat's performance in extreme conditions also gave Dolan a new experience, managing too much speed.
"It's mad how quickly you get used to it. By the end, we were doing 35-36 knots and chatting like it was normal. But when we pushed past 38 knots, the foils started cavitating, air builds up under the foils, forms gas, and the boat begins to stall. So for the first time in my sailing life, I actually had to slow down!"
Next up for Dolan and the Charal crew is the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race, starting on 26th July from Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This year's edition is especially significant as it forms part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's (RORC) centenary celebrations. The 695-nautical-mile route will once again see the fleet round Ireland's most famous maritime landmark, the Fastnet Rock, before finishing in Cherbourg, France. It promises to be another spectacular test of offshore racing skill, with over 300 boats taking to the start line!
Follow Tom during the race