Erica Lush Retires from La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec While Closing in on Finish Line

Erica Lush's mainsail is too damaged to repair on board, and she has retired from La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec © Erica Lush

Erica Lush's mainsail is too damaged to repair on board, and she has retired from La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec © Erica Lush

Erica Lush's mainsail is too damaged to repair on board, and she has retired from La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec © Erica Lush

American offshore sailor Erica Lush made the difficult decision to retire from the 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec regatta series Tuesday morning in the competition's third and final leg. Damage to the mainsail of her boat Hope during a period of heavy wind could not be repaired on board. Lush was aiming to become the first American to complete two Solitaires — having finished the 2025 regatta less than a year ago last September.

"Overnight Monday into Tuesday, I sailed through a front which was forecast to bring wind of 25 knots with gusts up to 35. However, winds reached 43 knots and the force of the wind ripped the leech of Hope's mainsail in two places," said Lush upon safely returning to shore in Western France.

"I came into this year's Solitaire comfortable and confident in my abilities, and eager to move up the rankings. While retiring from the third leg was gutting, I am so proud of my performance in the first two legs. I didn't come here to check the race off of some bucket list, but rather to hone my skills against the best with a long term vision. I can surely say I am doing that. It's a real privilege to have the opportunity to be here."

The third and final leg of the 2026 Solitaire has seen seven sailors exit the race early, including Irish sailor Tom Dolan, who had held the lead and was seeking his second Solitaire victory. Strong conditions have caused multiple sail damages, one grounding and a dismasting. The regatta's organizing authority has updates with more information posted on their website's news page.

Lush was able to secure her sail and make safe passage to land at Les Sable d'Olonne, the famed starting point of the Vendée Globe, the pinnacle of solo-sailing.

"It was not an easy task to get here," she said on her Instagram. "But it was a relief to get to the dock and also quite surprising to see all the IMOCAs there getting ready for the Vendée Arctic race. It was quite moving to get a round of applause upon arrival from Frankie [Clapcich] and the 11th Hour Racing Team and Alan Roberts the Race Director. They are both veterans of the Solitaire themselves, who recognize the height of the challenge."

Lush's 2026 Solitaire campaign was on a compressed timeline, as the annual regatta series began less than seven months after the finish of 2025's event. Lush chartered the Beneteau Figaro 3 Hope from legendary offshore sailor Samantha Davies. Continuing a tradition from last year, the boat's name reflects both Lush's home state motto and her campaign's mission to forge pathways in offshore sailing for more women and American sailors.

While the retirement is a temporary setback, Lush plans to continue striving towards the Vendée Globe, a single-handed, around-the-world sailing race famous amongst the best of the best in the sport. Lush's father competed in the first iteration of the Vendée in 1982. This month, Lush plans to return to her home state to compete in the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race's Double-Handed Division.

Lush's Solitaire campaigns in both 2025 and 2026 have been made possible by generous sponsors and supporters, including: Performance Sailing Fund of New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, Perry Institute for Marine Science and Reef Rescue Network, Mustang Survival, Wichard Groupe North America.

Lush is still accepting contributions and sponsorships for her historic 2026 campaign. More information on Lush, the campaign, and how to support can be found at www.lushsailing.com

Lush is actively looking for partners to join her in 2027.