Tom Dolan set for 2026 Figaro season opener at Solo Guy Cotten
by Tom Dolan Racing 8 Mar 00:14 PDT
9 March 2026
Irish solo offshore sailor Tom Dolan will return to competition on Monday 9 March as he lines up for the Solo Guy Cotten in Concarneau, the opening event of the 2026 Figaro season. The race marks Dolan's first major outing since having to retire from last year's Solitaire du Figaro after sustaining a forearm injury during the first leg.
Dolan has been based in Concarneau for several years, making the Solo Guy Cotten an important early season benchmark for him.
Despite a pre season heavily disrupted by severe weather, Dolan says he has enjoyed his preparation and is eager to get racing again. "You could nearly say this is my comeback. I'm actually quite looking forward to it, I'm feeling really good mentally and physically, and it's just time to get back out there. I'm excited, and really not that stressed."
This year's event will feature 45 boats, one of the largest Figaro fleets in recent years. Several high profile sailors are returning to the class following IMOCA campaigns, raising the competitive level significantly. "A lot of big names are coming back after their IMOCA campaigns, big names who were at the top of their game when I first started," Dolan said. "It's going to be exciting to line up against them again, especially with the experience I've gained since."
The Solo Guy Cotten is a points scoring Grand Prix, that will contribute to the French Offshore Sailing Championship. It will consist of two inshore races followed by a 48 hour offshore leg. With a long season ahead, Dolan will focus on executing a skilled, clean race
Conditions are expected to be challenging, with very light winds forecast for the first three days, followed by a sharp increase to 30 knots later in the week. Making for an interesting test of a seasoned fleet.
Dolan, will use the event as an early benchmark of form as he begins his 2026 campaign.