Please select your home edition
Edition
Rolly Tasker Sails 2023 LEADERBOARD

The quest for back-to-back victories in the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec

by Tom Dolan Racing 2 Feb 00:28 NZDT
Ireland's Tom Dolan (Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan) wins 55th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec overall © Alexis Courcoux

In 2024, Tom Dolan made history by securing victory in the 55th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, becoming the first Irishman to have his name etched on the trophy.

"It's a huge achievement for me. When I arrived in France twelve years ago, I dreamed of being a 'préparateur' on the Figaro circuit, sailing on these boats and competing in this race. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I've now won this event."

In 2025, Tom is determined to get back out there and defend his title!

He is entering the fray in this his 8th Figaro season, his sights set on another Solitaire du Figaro Paprec win and a place in the select group of double champions of this legendary race.

To pull off this performance, Tom will rely on the ingredients that enabled him to carve out his victory last year: intensive training sessions, demanding fitness training and mental performance coaching throughout the season with Gerry Hussey. The two men have created a close bond, which has had a positive influence on Tom's rise to power in his sport.

One key element for Tom in his quest for excellence: Enjoyment.

"To post a stellar performance, there is no better driving force than enjoyment!" said Tom.

The 2025 race programme is virtually complete!

Aboard his Figaro 3, Tom Dolan will participate in 5 races in the French Elite Offshore Racing Championship 2025:

  • The Solo Guy Cotten
  • The Trophée Laura Vergne
  • The Solo Maître CoQ
  • The Fig'Armor Solo
  • And for the grand finale of the Figaro season: the legendary Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, the main event of the championship.

Related Articles

A true attraction for non-French skippers
Hard work, training, and perseverance in the 56th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec The excellence of the French solo racing pathway is increasingly attracting non-French skippers who want to come, learn, and train in a discipline that, for now, remains very French. Posted on 25 Sep
Tom Dolan retires from Solitaire du Figaro
Flying Irishman injured his arm just one hour into the opening stage Reigning Solitaire du Figaro Paprec champion Tom Dolan confirmed this morning that he will withdraw from the third and final leg of the solo offshore race due to an injury sustained early in Leg One. Posted on 21 Sep
Tom Dolan at Solitaire du Figaro Leg 2 Day 4
For the Irish skipper there's good news and bad news Day four of leg two started in light airs for most of the fleet. The leading bunch have passed Cape Finisterre, funneling through a mandatory checkpoint gate added by the race committee, and are closing in Vigo, around 40 miles to the south east. Posted on 19 Sep
Dolan makes western gamble in Solitaire du Figaro
Currently 56 nautical miles (103km) behind the leader Offshore racing is about making educated guesses. You read the forecast, make your plan and sail to it. Posted on 18 Sep
56th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 2 day 3
Advantage to the Southerners On this second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025, between the Bay of Morlaix and Vigo in Spain, two options have taken shape over the past hours. Posted on 17 Sep
Dolan charges on in La Solitaire du Figaro Leg 2
The Kingspan skipper led a group that tacked out west around sunset As the second morning of Leg Two dawns, it's all about positioning out in the Bay of Biscay for the fleet of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Posted on 17 Sep
Dolan at front of the pack in Solitaire du Figaro
The fleet are now crossing the Bay of Biscay in Leg 2 Irish sailor Tom Dolan is on the leading edge of the pack in the second leg of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, with 385 miles (~710 kilometres) remaining in the leg that will finish in Vigo, in northern Spain. Posted on 16 Sep
56th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 2 start
After a 30-hour delay, the 34 sailors were finally able to head out to sea After a 30-hour delay, the 34 sailors competing in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025 were finally able to head out to sea and face the elements. At 7 p.m. this Monday, September 15, the starting gun was fired. Posted on 15 Sep
Dolan continues Figaro campaign despite injury
Leg 2 of the Solitaire du Figaro is set to start on Monday evening, after a 24-hour delay Irish Offshore Sailor Tom Dolan starts Leg 2 of the Solitaire du Figaro on Monday evening, after a 24-hour delay due to extreme winds. The 900km leg, delayed to allow dangerous sea conditions to ease, takes the fleet across the Bay of Biscay to Vigo. Posted on 15 Sep
La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 2 start tomorrow
After 486 miles of a modified course, the Spanish coast will come into sight On Monday, September 15 at 2.45pm, the 34 solo skippers will set course southwards towards the port of Vigo, Spain. A leg already shaping up to be demanding, with a depression forcing the race committee to postpone the start by 24 hours. Posted on 14 Sep
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERKZRaceFurlersX-Yachts X4.0