Fig'Armor Race - Tom Dolan set to begin final test ahead of Solitaire du Figaro title defence
by Tom Dolan Racing 5 Aug 17:59 BST
6 August 2025
Tom Dolan set to begin final test ahead of Solitaire du Figaro title defence © Tom Dolan Racing
Irish solo skipper Tom Dolan, reigning champion of the Solitaire du Figaro, will depart tomorrow, August 6, aboard his Figaro 3 Kingspan to take part in the Fig'Armor Race. His final competitive outing before attempting to defend his historic title next month.
With the 2025 Solitaire du Figaro set to begin on September 7, the Fig'Armor marks a crucial final test for Dolan. More than just a warm-up, this race represents a high-stakes opportunity to fine-tune boat performance, systems, and race strategies under competitive pressure.
For this event, Dolan will be joined on board by talented French sailor Gaston Morvan. Together, the duo bring a strong mix of experience and fresh energy. Known for their complementary skills and natural synergy.
"I'm really looking forward to this final step as we edge closer to the Solitaire du Figaro," said Dolan. "Being away from the Figaro for a while, racing in the IMOCA, has given me a new perspective. There's something special about coming back to it, especially with so much on the line. I'm taking it all in, step by step, as I get ready to defend my title."
The race starts from Lorient, a city widely regarded as the spiritual home of French offshore sailing, where other Irish Sailor's in other competitive offshore classes also base themselves. The Fig'Armor is designed to simulate the intensity of solo offshore racing, making it an ideal final rehearsal before the Solitaire.
In 2024, Dolan made history by becoming the first non-French sailor to win the Solitaire du Figaro, a feat that cemented his place among the elite of solo ocean racing. With just one month to go until this year's edition, Tom alongside his committed partners in sustainable performance, Kingspan, aim to return sharper, faster, and more focused than ever.
The 2025 Fig'Armor will take sailors around 48 hours from departure at 9am on Wednesday 6th of August.