Tom Dolan honoured as Irish Sailor of the Year for a historic second time
by Tom Dolan Racing 2 Mar 01:34 AEDT
Tom Dolan honoured as Irish Sailor of the Year © Andrew Conan / Inpho
Tom Dolan, the winner of the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, received the Irish Sailing "Sailor of the Year" award yesterday at the Irish Sailing awards event in Dublin.
Tom also announced his 2028 Vendée Globe Campaign.
A new milestone in an exceptional career
Irish solo sailor Tom Dolan has been awarded the prestigious Irish Sailor of the Year award for 2024, marking his second time receiving this honour. Dolan first earned this accolade in 2020 following his remarkable fifth-place finish in La Solitaire du Figaro, the best-ever result for an Irish competitor in the event's history. This time, he wins the award on the back of an even greater achievement—his historic victory in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, where he became the first Irish sailor ever to win the prestigious event.
Reflecting on his journey, Dolan expressed deep gratitude to his sponsors:
"I am indebted to Kingspan, Smurfit Westrock, and Dubarry. They backed me early in my career. I am immensely proud to have won the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec; this victory would have been impossible without the support of my sponsors for which I am deeply grateful for. No non-French team has ever achieved such a result. "
Achieving the Irish Sailor of the Year award twice is a rare feat, previously accomplished only by distinguished sailors such as Anthony O'Leary, Annalise Murphy, and Finn Lynch. This recognition further cements Dolan's place among Ireland's greatest sailors.
Tom Dolan is preparing to defend his title in the 2025 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, determined to join the exclusive club of two-time winners. His campaign will be further strengthened by Kingspan, which is the title sponsor of his Figaro Beneteau 3 named "Kingspan" reinforcing their commitment to supporting one of Ireland's top offshore sailors. The first race of the 2025 Figaro season is the Solo Guy Cotten Concarneau (March 22-29 March 2025).
The sailor's dream. A lifetime challenge. History in the making.
Tom Dolan announced his ambition to join the starting line of the 2028 Vendée Globe. This solo single-handed round-the-world sailing race, non-stop and without assistance is regarded as the ultimate test of ocean racing—a challenge that is as physically grueling as it is mentally demanding, where only the most battle-hardened manage to complete the journey.
After seven seasons in the notoriously demanding Figaro class and having cut his teeth in the Mini class, Tom Dolan is ready to take on a new chapter. His goal? To become the first Irish sailor to finish the Vendée Globe, to etch his nation's name in the history books, and to inspire a whole new generation of mariners.
An extraordinary journey for an ambitious project
Nicknamed "the Flying Irishman," Tom Dolan has carved out a singular path in the world of offshore racing. Hailing from a humble farm in Ireland—where he first discovered sailing away from the elitist circles—he built his career in France, at the very heart of the elite offshore racing circuit. By winning the Solitaire du Figaro, one of the toughest races out there he proved he is among the best of his generation.
A first for Ireland, a project of international proportions
No Irishman has ever completed the Vendée Globe. While Ireland has produced many great sailors, none have yet managed to see such a colossal project through to the end. For Tom Dolan, this challenge transcends the sporting realm: it's an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Irish sailing on the world stage, to inspire a new generation, and to demonstrate that with grit and hard work, anything is possible.
"When I was a child, I'd watch these sailors set off to circumnavigate the globe on their own, and I thought it was reserved for a select few. Today, I want to show that no matter where you come from, with hard work and passion, you can achieve great things." Said Tom Dolan.
Calling for partners in an extraordinary adventure
Such an ambitious project demands considerable resources. Tom Dolan and his team are now reaching out to potential partners eager to join an exceptional human and sporting adventure. The Vendée Globe is one of the world's most high-profile sporting events, boasting an international audience and delivering unmatched exposure in terms of image and values.
Join forces with a passionate, daring skipper determined to make history!
The adventure begins now. All aboard for 2028 and for the 2025 Figaro 3 campaign.