La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 3 Preview
by La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 30 May 15:21 BST
13 May - 7 June 2026
Tomorrow, Sunday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., 36 skippers will set off on the final leg of the 2026 La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. The race between Pornichet and Le Havre is already shaping up to be intense and highly competitive, with crucial stakes not only for the sailors in the overall Top 3 but also for the rest of the fleet.
With such small gaps at the top of the leaderboard, it is safe to assume that everyone will give their all to gain the few precious minutes needed to secure victory or achieve their personal objectives.
The first miles along the Atlantic coastline are expected to be sailed in relatively manageable conditions, with an orderly sea state and moderate winds as the fleet heads towards the Gironde estuary. The competitors could therefore remain tightly grouped, with every tactical decision closely monitored in a race for the overall standings that remains wide open.
As the hours and days pass, however, the character of the leg is expected to change dramatically. As they head north into the English Channel and approach the English coast, the sailors will encounter a much stronger south-westerly airflow combined with a significant sea state. The Figaro Beneteau 3s will then enter their preferred territory: fast-reaching conditions where speeds increase considerably and where gaps can open up within just a few hours. After rounding the Eddystone Lighthouse, the sailors will make one final crossing of the Channel before heading towards Le Havre, the finish of this last stage.
So, which of the leading contenders—Tom Dolan (Kingspan), Nicolas Lunven (PRB) or Alexis Thomas (Wings Of The Ocean)—will manage to claim the top step of the podium and etch their name onto the trophy that every competitor covets? Unless one of the outsiders can pull off a surprise. Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne - CMB Espoir), currently trailing by 33 minutes and 11 seconds, Paul Morvan (Foricher - French Touch) at 1 hour, 5 minutes and 37 seconds behind, Martin Le Pape (Paprec) at 1 hour, 33 minutes and 17 seconds, and Loïs Berrehar, who is hoping to close the gap and climb the rankings. The Banque Populaire skipper currently sits seventh overall, 1 hour, 50 minutes and 7 seconds off the lead. On this final course, anything remains possible, making it a fascinating race to follow.
A Final Leg Under Pressure: Managing Time as Well as Emotions
The challenge is to remain fully focused on navigation without being overwhelmed by the pressure of the result. Finding the right balance between attack and caution, managing the fatigue accumulated since the start of the race, and maintaining clarity in key moments—these are often the factors that make the difference. More than ever, this final leg promises to be a test of self-control, where the best sailors will be able to turn tension into positive energy and achieve the best result possible.
Two Nantes Skippers Shine During the Second Leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
Loire-Atlantique can be proud of its representatives. At the finish of the second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, sailed between Vigo and Pornichet, two skippers from Nantes—Marie Gendron (Kereis SNCF Voyageurs) and Adrien Hardy (Sans Nature, pas de Futur!)—demonstrated their talent and determination among the elite of solo offshore racing. In a particularly tactical stage marked by complex weather conditions and numerous strategic traps, both sailors managed to stay focused and fight for their chances right to the finish.
Marie Gendron (Kereis SNCF Voyageurs): "I was so happy to be coming home. I think it really gives you a boost. It's a bit like when you go for a run: somehow, you always seem to run faster on the way back. It felt a little like that. Coming home means finding your bearings and familiar surroundings again, and that feels good. Seeing your family on the pontoons as well. Even though finishing a Figaro stage is always very tough because it's such a demanding race, everything fades away when you're reunited with your loved ones.
During the stopover, seeing friends and family again gives you renewed energy for the final leg. You feel supported and surrounded, and having my parents looking after me is really special. They are fully part of the team and that will help me moving forward.
This second leg was incredible. Staying at the front for several days was more than I could have hoped for. I knew the conditions would suit me, so I felt comfortable and in my element, and I'm happy it paid off. I'm also pleased to have proven to myself that I'm capable of achieving great things. The next leg will be much windier, which is slightly less in my comfort zone, but I now approach the rest of the race with much more confidence."
Adrien Hardy (Sans Nature, pas de Futur!): "It's really enjoyable to arrive somewhere I know so well. I saw a lot of familiar faces at the finish, including the two coaches who trained me when I was a kid, so that was really special. It's a place I'm very fond of. On top of that, I'm staying with my in-laws in Le Pouliguen, so I truly feel at home.
This third leg promises to be exciting and varied. There will be strong winds towards the end, and that suits me well. It will probably be a little more straightforward, so the key will be to get ahead early. Right now, I'm having a huge amount of fun on the water. It had been a long time since I'd spent so much time sailing, and I'm really enjoying reconnecting with the sensations of sailing: the calm, the silence, the observation, and the fact that all your senses are constantly engaged.
I think it's quite extraordinary, this ability to stay alert and aware for several days in a row. These are sensations and a state of mind that I only experience during La Solitaire. It's exactly what I was looking for when I returned to this race. I enjoy drawing on all those resources and constantly operating on the edge in order to perform."
To follow the sailors' progress, head to the race tracker: www.lasolitaire.com/cartographie