Erica Lush takes on “Tour De France” of sailing for second time in a year beginning on May 17

Erica Lush after the Bermuda 1-2 regatta © David Southwell

For the second time in less than one year, American offshore sailor Erica Lush will sail in the prestigious Solitaire du Figaro Paprec regatta series—a three-leg, singlehanded offshore sailing competition known for its challenging conditions and elite competitors.

She would become the first American sailor, regardless of gender, to complete two Solitaires if she successfully crosses the finish line. The first leg of the Solitaire starts off the coast of Northern France on May 17, 2026. In September of 2025, Lush became just the third American and second American woman to complete the Solitaire, a historic accomplishment and key milestone in her personal goal of revitalizing American offshore sailing.

"The difference in my comfort and confidence levels between last spring and now is amazing. The process is familiar. I feel empowered to be on the course alone, in control of my boat," says Lush. "This year I'm no longer a rookie. I've done this before. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I know I can sail fast, and smart. There's no doubt I have grit. And I'll be damned if I let someone sail by me. I'm seasoned now, and I can play this game too."

Lush's 2026 Solitaire campaign has been on a compressed timeline, as the start of the annual regatta series comes less than seven months after the finish of 2025's event. This year Lush has chartered and trained with a new boat, but kept the name Hope, a nod to her home state of Rhode Island and the mission driving her to take on such monumental challenges. The Beneteau Figaro 3 is owned by legendary offshore sailor Samantha Davies, a veteran of the singlehanded global circumnavigation regatta the Vendée Globe. "I was happy to find Erica at the beginning of the year. I raced the Figaro circuit at the beginning of my career in France. To me it's compulsory to sail this circuit to become a great solo sailor. I am always keen to loan my boat to sailors like Erica who I identify with and are growing in their career," Davies says. "There is a whole network of people here in France supporting her to get to the starting line."

The Vendée Globe is a goal for Lush herself, whose father competed in the first edition of what became that race in 1982. Completing the Solitaire du Figaro is seen as an important stepping stone on the road to the Vendée starting line. "With each regatta I complete, I feel more and more confident in not only my sailing abilities, but also my mission to re-establish the United States as an offshore sailing powerhouse," Lush adds.

The 2026 Solitaire is a part of a busy spring and summer season for Lush. She completed the Solo Guy Cotten in March, completing the singlehanded regatta in approximately 36 hours and only getting 45 minutes of rest. Alongside Mac Manion who has been supporting the project since 2025 from the technical side, Lush competed for the Trophée Banque Populaire Grand Ouest in April. Unfortunately, the team was forced to retire early from the race. Thanks to a team of boat builders brought together by Davies—including Zac Denney, Louis Guimard, Konrad Blanc, and Louis Duc—and working at Initiatives Coeur, Hope is on course to be in ship shape for the Solitaire start.

Following the Solitaire, Lush plans on returning to Rhode Island to sail in the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race with David Southwell in that regatta'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 LushSailing.com

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