57th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, Day 3 - The Cape Finisterre Headache
by La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 20 May 15:36 BST
13 May - 7 June 2026
The weather conditions have changed dramatically in the 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.
After squalls and low-pressure systems, the fleet is now facing a high-pressure system that is severely slowing the skippers' progress toward Cape Finisterre and the port of Vigo, the finish of this first leg. The focus is now on recovery and boat checks in order to tackle the final stretch in the best possible condition.
These much calmer conditions are allowing sailors to inspect their boats and rigs, as demonstrated by Hugo Cardon aboard Sarth'Atlantique, who climbed to the top of his mast twice. Nothing too serious, but performing such an exercise on what appears to be a relatively calm sea is still quite a feat.
"I don't think I was the only one climbing the mast today. Many competitors reported over the VHF to the race director that they were going up. I think there are still some traces of the front that hit us two nightsago, but the conditions weren't calm enough to climb earlier. Personally, there was no danger for the boat, it was more about avoiding performance loss at the end of the race if I need to use all my sails. It wasvery physical. I hurt my left arm a little and my right ankle, but it'll be fine. It's the residual swell that makes things complicated. You really get thrown around up there," explained Hugo Cardon.
Hugo Dhallenne's more westerly positioning during the long descent from the tip of Brittany has allowed the Skipper Macif 2025 sailor to take the lead of the fleet. A clean race and perfect tactical positioningheading into this crucial final section. "It feels great to finally have good weather. The wind and rain were getting a bit long. We're happy to be sailing upwind in manageable seas with sunshine. I'm pretty pleased because I haven't broken anything. I really wanted to stay high and west in order to come out well approaching Spain. So far, it's paying off. Right now, I'm heading slightly farther off the direct route hoping the wind fills in and gives me a good angle toward the gate, then hopefully I can finish with the wind behind me until the gate," commented Hugo Dhallenne.
In second place, Davy Beaudart aboard Nautymor is also benefiting from the wind shift. "Like everyone else, I think we lived like animals for 48 hours with the boat heavily heeled upwind and slamming hard into the waves. I tried not to push too hard during that part. I focused on preserving both the boat and myself, and I'm very happy with the result. I've got a boat in perfect condition and a skipper who feels just as good!
To prepare for what's next, I started by rechecking all the boat settings and then tried to dry the boat out as much as possible. The boat is now in great shape for the final part, which promises to be very tactical. I think I'm in even better shape than at the start. I slept well during those 48 hours and I'm fully ready for the end of the race," Davy explained during today's radio check-in.
The final skipper to speak with the race organizers was Chloé Le Bars (Skipper Macif 2026), who is regaining energy and motivation after a difficult start to the race. "I'm very, very happy to finally get some sunshine as we approach Spain — it really feels good. On the other hand, I'm very disappointed with my positioning during the front passage. My sailing afterward on the long starboard tack wasn't great at all. I struggled to find the right balance to maintain good speed. I also broke the tack fitting of my J2 sail, which didn't help, but things are better now. It almost feels like a new race is beginning, and I'm really happy about that. This morning, I told myself I just needed to stay focused because there will probably still be a lot to play for. I'm very happy to have, in a way, a second chance," analyzed Chloé.
La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec continues to prove merciless, whether in strong winds or complete calm. Every small effort to gain a few tenths of a mile matters, and tactical positioning is crucial. In the weatherpattern now taking shape, the light winds could completely reshuffle the standings for the 35 solo sailors still racing.
At the moment, all competitors are studying the weather forecasts provided by race management in order to establish their strategy for the coming hours. Will sailors favor the route along the coast? Or will someopt for the offshore route? Last year, the offshore option paid off — notably for Hugo Cardon.
For now, the next major waypoint is Cape Finisterre, which the sailors are expected to reach within the next twelve hours.