La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec: 34 Sailors in Pursuit of Sailing's Holy Grail
by La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 13 Jul 10:44 BST
30 August - 27 September 2025
La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec © Vincent Olivaud
Unattainable, timeless, uncompromising, iconic—superlatives abound when describing La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, an event organized by OC Sport Pen Duick. And all the sailors who've taken part in this legendary race over the years would certainly agree.
Now in its 56th edition, the race welcomes seasoned competitors still hoping to claim sailing's holy grail and ambitious newcomers eager to test themselves on an extraordinary course. This year, 34 skippers—including 12 rookies—will line up for a special edition that will reward a sailor who shows consistency, determination, and most likely, a daring spirit to win in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.
- Unattainable, like so many skippers who have passed through this grueling offshore school without ever reaching the podium.
- Timeless, as it continues to captivate sailors from generation to generation since its origins as the Course de l'Aurore in 1970.
- Uncompromising, with each edition pushing boundaries by offering routes as demanding as the race's legend itself.
- Inhumane, as sailors push their bodies and minds to extremes unimaginable to land dwellers.
- Iconic, as winning it grants entry into an elite circle of champions alongside the greatest names in French and international sailing.
Tom Dolan: The One to Watch
Winner of the 2024 edition, Tom Dolan (Kingspan) returns for his eighth attempt, aiming to defend his title. Only two skippers have managed this feat since 1970: Guy Cornou (1975-1976) and Yann Eliès (2012-2013). Achieving back-to-back wins would etch Tom Dolan's name into the history books.
"For the past few seasons, focusing on results hasn't been the priority, and that's worked well for me. I've had much less pressure. I think I've accomplished a life goal—my dream—to win La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. This time, I'm really going in to enjoy it. I'll stick with the same process as last year: the same team, same physical and mental preparation. The aim is to enjoy it and perform at my best in terms of boat speed, positioning, and weather strategy. This might be my last Solitaire, so I want to make the most of it," shared Dolan.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Making their fifth appearances, Maël Garnier (Selencia - Cerfrance), Jules Delpech (P'TIT DUC), and Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023) are among the seasoned sailors—though still far behind Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL), who's set to take on his 19th Solitaire.
Charlotte Yven: A Major Performance in the Making
Fresh off her double-handed win in the Transat Paprec alongside Hugo Dhallenne, Charlotte Yven hopes to repeat her impressive 2024 performance, where she placed third in Stage 2 (Gijón to Royan) and finished in the overall top five.
"Every year, the Solitaire is the pinnacle of the season. After a top five last year and two Transat Paprec wins, I want to aim even higher. But the Solitaire is always a tough race—everyone's chasing results. Having tasted the podium, of course I want more. I'll try to secure stage podiums, stay consistent, and minimize delays. With a timed overall ranking, anything can happen. I'll take it one stage at a time and aim to claw back every minute I can. We'll tally up the points at the end," she said.
Charlotte is a serious contender to become the first woman ever to win the Solitaire. Recently, sailing alongside Sam Goodchild, Guillaume Combescure, and Loïs Berrehar aboard the IMOCA MACIF Santé Prévoyance, she also won the Course des Caps—the tour around the British Isles—adding more experience through the MACIF team.
Experience: The Key to Perfection
Back for his 19th Solitaire, Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL) will once again rely on his vast experience and deep knowledge of the Breton and Norman coasts. Despite never having won, with a best finish of fourth in 2021, Loison remains resilient:
"Of course, I dream of victory. I feel capable, and I'm working hard for it. But from my experience, if there's one race that's particularly hard to win, it's this one. The fleet is incredibly competitive—even those less well-known are very skilled. Almost everyone has figured out how to handle the boat, so every place is earned. I'm looking forward to once again experiencing the unique emotions only this race can offer."
Dark Horses and Breakthrough Hopes
Beyond the big names, many could shine in this unforgiving race. Among them: Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean), winner of the Solo Guy Cotten; Tom Goron (Figaro Libre), Jules Ducelier (Région Normandie), and Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif 2025), who placed 4th in 2024 and also won the Transat Paprec. Other former rookies—like Romain Bouillard (Décrochons la lune), 2nd in the Transat Paprec, Paul Morvan (French Touch - Foricher), and Quentin Vlamynck (Les Étoiles Filantes)—will try to rival the veterans.
Twelve Determined Rookies
This year, 12 rookies will take on the Solitaire. Just making the start line is already a victory in this ultra-competitive arena. One of them, Eliaz Morineau, former boat preparer for Victor Le Pape, shared:
"The Figaro circuit is, in my opinion, the most demanding and comprehensive offshore racing school due to its one-design format and the high level of competition. I joined late in the season—only in March—and don't have as much training time as others. But I'm going in with little stress and a real desire to enjoy it. Learning from the experienced sailors and giving my all—that's my goal."
A Global Race: International Sailors Set the Tone
Five nationalities will be represented this year: France, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and the USA.
Tom Dolan, the most "French" of Irishmen, returns to defend his title. He'll face Swiss sailor Anaëlle Pattusch (Humains en action), who showed remarkable grit in her debut. American Erica Lush (Hope), daughter of a renowned sailor who competed in the 1980s BOC Challenge, is making her debut, eager to compete with offshore racing's elite. Oliver Hill, who partnered with Ellie Driver (Women's Engineering Society) in the Transat Paprec, will also make his first Solitaire start. Both will fly the British flag.
Défi Paprec: Double-handed Race Returns for 2025
Following its 2024 success, the Défi Paprec returns, allowing double-handed crews to take part in Stage 1 of the Solitaire. These duos enjoy the same race structure and safety provisions as solo competitors. So far, seven teams are registered.
Arthur Meurisse, who won the 2024 Défi Paprec alongside Hugo Le Clech, now steps up as a rookie in the solo race.
The 2025 Défi Paprec will run from Rouen to the Bay of Morlaix via the iconic Fastnet lighthouse in Ireland. This innovative concept aims to broaden participation, train the next generation of Figaro BENETEAU 3 sailors, and uncover emerging talent.
Find out more at www.lasolitaire.com