56th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 Day 3

by La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 9 Sep 16:12 BST 30 August - 27 September 2025

All That for This...

While most people ashore were sitting down for lunch, a strange ballet was unfolding at sea off Dieppe. Carried by the rising tide in the Channel and with barely a breath of wind, the solo sailors struggled to escape the zone around the second course mark, Daffodils. First to round was Victor Le Pape (Région Bretagne - CMB Espoir), ahead of Jules Ducelier (Région Normandie) and Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL). But their lead was short-lived: powerless, they could only watch as their rivals slipped past one after another.

Sometimes the only way to move forward is to drop anchor. To avoid being swept even further back, the leading trio resorted to that tactic. It wasn't enough for Victor Le Pape, who got going again much later. The chaotic scene opened the door for Paul Morvan (French Touch - Foricher), Maël Garnier (Selencia - Cerfrance), Yvon Larnicol (Auray - Quiberon by Orlabay), and Jules Delpech (P'TIT DUC). Ducelier and Loison rejoined in 12th and 18th respectively, while Le Pape slipped back to 23rd. It's all to do again for the three, but the stage promises plenty more duels between these iron-willed sailors.

La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 - photo © Thomas Campion

"We were a small pack of three who had broken away, the fleet was well stretched out. Unfortunately, we arrived right as the wind shut off. With the current against us, we couldn't get around it. We had to anchor just to avoid losing even more ground. That opened the door for the smart ones who came through with better conditions. A lot of work wiped out in an instant — but that's life. The road is still long. Don't forget, this is a race against the clock. We're only halfway, with two more Channel crossings and stronger winds coming. There'll be moves to make," commented Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL).

"I was worried I wouldn't make the mark at all. The current was really strong. We had to anchor to avoid being swept past it. The others managed to sneak between us and the mark and got away before us. That compressed the fleet again, it's relaunched the race. I can't say I'm thrilled — but there's still everything to play for. More wind is on the way, and the next two crossings will be wide open. We've had a bit of everything on this leg," admitted Jules Ducelier (Région Normandie).

La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 - photo © Thomas Campion

Next Stop: The Grandcamp-Maisy mark

The 34 solo sailors now face a long coastal stretch. Two options are on the table — hug the shore or head offshore before diving back down towards the south of the Cotentin. The strong tidal coefficients will act as gatekeepers. A strengthening southerly breeze, up to 15 knots overnight, should provide ideal conditions to make good progress on relatively calm seas. But tougher times are coming, with a front expected to sweep through on Wednesday evening. For now: rest, analysis, strategy — and a little boat work for some.

Passage at Daffodils: