Tom Dolan reflects on a year of highs, valuable lessons, and a tough Figaro exit

Tom Dolan © Thomas Campion

2025 was shaping up to be one of Tom Dolan's most promising seasons yet. With a packed calendar that spanned from the thrills of the Rolex Fastnet Race aboard an IMOCA 60 Charal to the relentless solo intensity of La Solitaire du Figaro, Dolan approached the year with fresh motivation and a clearer head than in seasons past.

But in a tough turn of events, an untimely wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the final stages of the Figaro, bringing an early end to what had been a groundbreaking year.

"Injuries are part of sport, but this one felt really out of my control," Dolan admits. "Looking back, I still can't quite pinpoint how it happened but I think that in itself is something to learn from. Don't take fatigue for granted. I wasn't fully switched on when I picked up the injury. Just that tiny lapse in awareness made the difference. Offshore racing demands everything from you, all the time."

The injury struck during the Figaro, just as Dolan was hoping to capitalise on a forecast of favourable upwind conditions—his strong suit. Instead of chasing the results he knew he was capable of, he found himself managing pain, discomfort, and growing frustration.

"The second leg was agony," he says. "I didn't know much about painkillers or managing an injury at sea. It definitely distracted me from the mental clarity I usually need to perform."

When asked if he'd do anything differently, Dolan reflects carefully:

"I probably wouldn't have taken the painkillers. But in the moment, when you're in that much pain and still racing, it feels like the only option. My goal was so focused on staying in the race I was trying to do all I could. But as for the campaign as a whole, I need to pay more attention to when i'm feeling fatigued"

Despite this one setback, there were standout moments from quite the jam packed year of racing. Chief among them was winning the Laura Vergne Trophy alongside lifelong friend and coach Gildas Mahé (Gilda).

"That felt like a milestone. To win a race with the person who took me in when I didn't know anyone or anything in this sport and who continues to stand by me was really special."

This season also allowed Dolan to experience the contrast between solo and crewed racing stepping into one of the most experienced and sought after IMOCA 60's programs 'Charal' with fellow previous Figaro Champion Jeremie Beyou.

"The IMOCA stuff was cool to do as a crewed racing for once. There's a slight relief knowing someone else can take over. As in the Figaro, there's no substitution, you push through alone, even when you're not at 100%."

Still, the pressure is relentless in both. "The intensity is just as high in the IMOCA as it is in the Figaro. It's the same sailors, so it's in our DNA. When you're on watch, you're either driving or trimming, constantly on high alert." While then hoping to take all these expertise into the full extent of his Figaro campaign, they will stand to him as he continues to build his Offshore career.

While withdrawing from the Figaro wasn't how he envisioned 2025 ending, Dolan is already looking ahead. "The Figaro is earlier next year in June, so I don't have to wait too long to come back stronger. For now, the focus is on recovery and rebuilding. The wrist is still healing, and I just need to let time do its thing."

As always, Dolan's honesty and resilience shine through. 2025 may not have ended as planned, but it's laid the foundation for a stronger comeback. High-performance sport doesn't always go to plan, but it's how athletes handle the setbacks that define them. And Dolan ends the season with a renewed hunger to build on a hugely progressive and hard-earned 2025.