2015 Solitaire du Figaro – Yann joins elite group of triple winners

by Vendée Globe on 3 Jul 2015 2015 Solitaire du Figaro – Yesterday, Yann Eliès (Groupe Queguiner) won the 46th event. After winning in 2012 and 2013, Yann joins the elite group of triple winners of the Solitaire, which includes Jérémie Beyou, Jean Le Cam, Michel Desjoyeaux and Philippe Poupon. Jérémie Beyou (Maitre Coq) finished in fourth place in the overall rankings.

Following on from the protests against Xavier Macaire and a jury decision, Yann Eliès has become the official winner of the 46th Solitaire du Figaro. Among the favourites from the start in Bordeaux, Yann took the top spot in the rankings after winning the third leg in Torbay. That was his tenth leg victory in the Solitaire, which means he has equalled Jean Le Cam’s record number of leg wins.

Yann once again showed all his skills in this year’s Solitaire, feeling totally confident, while benefiting from that little bit of luck at times. Second in Sanxenxo and third in Concarneau, he was never far behind the temporary leaders, except in the final stretch under the cliffs to Dieppe. Eliès has his own particular way of sailing, thanks to 16 attempts at this event, the first of hwich he competed in at the age of 23. Clearly at ease in transitions, sure of finding speed, particularly downwind and in the light airs, which dominated the final two legs of this edition, Yann only rarely goes for risky options, preferring a neat trajectory, and he has shown he is able to build on a small advantage to make his getaway. Well done, Yann. We look forward to seeing you in the 2016 Vendée Globe.