Tom Dolan delivers an impressive season opener in Concarneau
by Tom Dolan Racing 13 Mar 16:56 GMT
Tom Dolan © Romain Marie
The 2026 Figaro season began in Concarneau, France with a demanding mix of conditions that put the experienced fleet to the test.
Kingspan skipper Tom Dolan may have jumped the gun in the opening race, but what followed was a remarkable display of skill, composure, and consistency earning him a well-deserved top-ten finish to start the season.
Dolan approached the event with understandable caution after being forced to withdraw from last year's Figaro. But once he was met with 4-5 metre swells and heavy winds, his fancy for offshore racing quickly returned. Two inshore legs and a double points offshore leg promised an exciting week ahead.
After crossing the start line early and having to turn back to rejoin the fleet from behind, Dolan returned to the phrase: "It's not good, it's not bad, it just is." Staying focused on his plan paid off. As the wind eased and the fleet compressed, he positioned himself slightly to the west, a move that allowed him to sail past much of the pack.
"I've never been the world's best tactician, but I was quite proud of how I sailed the first inshore race especially on the final downwind, managing to overtake five boats before the finish," Dolan said, reflecting on the week's racing. "A top-ten finish in the Figaro is never easy, so I'm really happy with how I've shown up at the start of this season and how I've sailed over the past week."
During the first overnight leg, the Solo Guy Cotten Offshore Race, Dolan battled an unexpected speed issue. It wasn't until sunrise that he discovered plastic on the keel. "It may have only cost me half a mile or so, but that's all it takes in Figaro racing for the leaders to build momentum and break away from the fleet."
Delighted to be back on the circuit, Dolan now turns his attention to the next event of the season: the Trophée Banque Populaire Grand Ouest, an 800-mile double-handed offshore race starting on 15 April. He will compete alongside long-time sailing partner and mentor Gildas Mahé.