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Armel le Cleac’h, François Gabart, Corentin Douguet the winning trio

19-08-2010

On Wednesday 18th August at 21.15.24, Armel Le Cléac’h crossed the finish line of Leg 4 placed in the Bay of Cherbourg. It took to Brit Air’s 54 hours, 30 minutes and 24 seconds to cover the 435 miles of the last lap at an average speed of 7.98 knots. This summer le Cleac’h proved to be the man of all records. At 33 years of age he conquers this 41st edition after having heavily dominated the race with 3 leg wins and enters the very selected club of double winners, thanks to his first victory back in 2003. François Gabart (Skipper Macif 2010) jumps on the second step of the podium after a very consistent race and Corentin Douguet (E.Leclerc Mobile) gets an unexpected, but still well deserved, bronze medal.

Armel Le Cléac’h wins 41st Solitaire du Figaro 2010

18-08-2010

On Wednesday 18th August at 21.15.24, Armel Le Cléac’h crossed the finish line of Leg 4 placed in the Bay of Cherbourg. It took to Brit Air’s 54 hours, 30 minutes and 24 seconds to cover the 435 miles of the last lap at an average speed of 7.98 knots. This summer le Cleac’h proved to be the man of all records. At 33 years of age he wins this 41st edition after having heavily dominated the race (with 3 leg wins) and enters the very selected club of double winners, thanks to his first victory back in 2003. Le Cleac’h was followed shortly on the line by Corentin Douguet on E.Leclerc Mobile and by François Gabart who thus secured second place overall.

Final miles to the finish, will it be glory or sorrow?

18-08-2010

This is not a race for the faint-hearted, that is for sure. The finale of La Solitaire du Figaro is proving to be more exciting than ever. If Armel le Cleac’h and François Gabart are pretty certain of their victory and second place overall, behind them, the battle for the third place is wide open. The approach to raz Blanchard will be crucial. Thousands of people are gathering in the Race Village in Cherbourg to welcome the skippers.

Nail biting suspense and fast downwind sailing overnight

17-08-2010

It was a fast and demanding night for the 44 skippers racing in the fourth and decisive leg of Solitaire du Figaro 2010 who averaged speeds of more than 11 knots in high winds of 20/25 knots, gusting at more than 30. Gildas Morvan first at the Fastnet but the overall leader Armel “the Jackal” Le Cleac’h is back in control. Fatigue has set in yet nobody can let their guard down for the final miles on the approach to Cherbourg. Excellent performance form Portuguese skipper Francisco Lobato and Italian Pietro D’Alì still in the leading group. The game remains wide open for the top ten spots

Leg 4, they’re off. Swiss Bernard Stamm and Matthieu Girolet forced to abandon racing after a collision

16-08-2010

Under a grey sky the 44 skippers taking part in La Solitaire du Figaro, left Kinsale for the fourth and decisive leg. Tension was high and the Committee was forced to give two general recalls. Swiss Bernard Stamm (Cheminée Poujoulat) and French Matthieu Girolet (Entreprendre) were involved in a collision and suffered from serious damages to their boats. Both decided to abandon racing. Excellent start for, young Portuguese Francisco Lobato and Italian Pietro D’Alì. Weather conditions are expected to be fairly tough, for a fast 435 miles passage to the finish in Cherbourg.

Fourth leg to start tomorrow, tension high for the leaders

15-08-2010

The fourth and decisive leg of 2010 La Solitaire du Figaro will start from Kinsale tomorrow at 14.00. The 44 skippers will have to deal with the last 435 miles to Cherbourg and weather conditions are expected to be fairly tough, for a fast passage to the finish. Armel Le Cleac’h is still solidly in the lead but his competitors will surely play their cards right to be on the highest step of the podium. Rule one: good manoeuvres and no breakages.

Solitaire du Figaro international: étoiles, stars, estrellas and stelle

15-08-2010

The first edition of the Solitaire dates back to 1970, when a dozen fearless pioneers set sail from Brest to write the first page of a 40 years long history of what today is considered one the most prestigious offshore races worldwide. Since the time when the regatta was called Course de l’Aurore from the newspaper that firstly sponsored it, 598 solo sailors have taken part, piling up experience, covering thousands of miles, fighting to become “stars” of the Solitaire.

Solitaire du Figaro: prize giving ceremony in Kinsale

15-08-2010

Kinsale Yacht Club today hosted a crowded prize giving ceremony. Skippers, supporters and a huge group of members from the Club applauded the winners of Leg 3 fromm Brest to Kinsale and those who were awarded special prizes and Trophy.

Adrien Hardy King of Kinsale, Lobato brilliant 9th overall

12-08-2010

Wednesday 11th August at 20 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds, Adrien Hardy crossed the finish line first of the third stage of La Solitaire du Figaro. It took to the young Agir Recouvrement skipper on 2 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds to cover the 349 mile from Brest to Kinsale at an average speed of 6.45 knots. The 26 year-old sailor reached the finish line ahead of Yann Eliès, whom he fought nail an tooth over the final 45 miles to beat at the finish. Generali-Europ Assistance’s skipper crossed a mere 1 minute and 17 seconds behind Hardy, while Jean-Pierre Nicol on Bernard Controls closed in third. A fierce battle for the first place in the newcomers’ special category: only five seconds separate Frenchman Anthony Marchand from Portuguese Francisco Lobato!

Adrien Hardy King of Kinsale

11-08-2010

Wednesday 11th August at 20 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds, Adrien Hardy crossed the finish line two miles outside the Kinsale harbour. It took to the young skipper on Agir Recouvrement 2 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds to cover the 349 miles of the third leg from Brest to Kinsale at an average speed of 6.45 knots. The 26 years old sailor got first on the line after a face-off with Yann Eliès, started just after rounding the Fastnet Rock. Generali-Europ Assistance’s skipper crossed a mere 1 minute and 17 seconds behind Hardy, while Jean-Pierre Nicol on Bernard Controls closed in third. A fierce battle for the first place in the newcomers’ special category: only five seconds separate Frenchman Anthony Marchand and Portuguese Francisco Lobato!

30 miles to the finish in Kinsale, which way to go?

11-08-2010

The fleet rounded the famous Fastnet Rock shortly after midday on Wednesday, the five leaders only two minutes apart. But it’s the final lap to Kinsale, under the imposing Irish cliffs that’s probably going to be decisive for the leg and the overall ranking. A photo finish is most probable and suspense runs high when the 44 skippers are 30 miles form the finish.

Approaching the Rock

11-08-2010

Some sunrays timidly pierce the clouds and Ireland is approaching for the leaders who are approximately 25 miles away from the Fastnet Rock. As per the 8.30 position report, the leadership changes as the skippers tack. Nicolas Lunven (Generali) is still in first at 71 miles de Kinsale but Adrien Hardy (Agir Recouvrement) has jumped in second evenly distanced as Thomas Rouxel (Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne) at 0,6 miles from the leader.

A wet and bumpy ride to Ireland. Le Cleac’h in the lead once more

10-08-2010

The first night at sea of Leg 3 proved to be as demanding as expected, with the skippers fighting against high winds, cold weather, drizzling rain, fog and, especially, a very fastidious swell. Several blown spinnakers but the whole fleet is fastly sailing towards Ireland. After keeping the lead for more than 24 hours, Thomas Rouxel, has to lave first place to Armel Le Cleac’h. Yet, nothing is carved in stone as the first 26 boats are only 5 miles apart at 150 miles from the finish.

Start of Leg 3, fast track to Kinsale

09-08-2010

The 44 skippers taking part to Leg 3 of the Solitaire du Figaro left Brest today for a 349 miles long route bound for Kinsale. The start was hampered by the bulk of the fleet clustering the pin end of the line, causing individual recalls and several protest flags to be raised. Leaving the goulet de Brest prove to be as hard as expected with collisions, penalty turns and a boat actually hitting the rocks. Portuguese skipper, Francisco Lobato, rounded the Radio France mark in 5th position ahead of his fellow first time participants.

Fleet ready to leg 3, Kinsale here we come!

08-08-2010

The 44 skippers get ready for Leg 3 of the Solitaire du Figaro in a surprisingly sunny and warm Brest while hundreds of supporters crowd the race village and the pontoons. Tomorrow at 14.00 they will leave Brittany for a challenging new leg up to the Channel, the Celtic Sea, the famous Fastnet Rock and the stunning village of Kinsale, where they return after a 13 years long absence. 349 miles of close and demanding racing, in strong currents, choppy seas and stiff breeze. Plus some accurate strategy towards the finish. The game is not over and many are hunting for glory.

The decision from the Jury alters scoreboard

07-08-2010

The Jury met today in Brest to discuss the protest against Yann Eliès, who was forced to use his engine during the first leg to get off after going aground. The sailor was given a two hours penalty and as a consequence he falls from second to 19th place. Following the decision involving the skipper of Generali Europ Assistance the top part of the scoreboard has deeply changed.

Le Cleac'h does it again!

06-08-2010

On Friday August 6th at 2 hours 44 minutes and 40 seconds Armel Le Cléac’h crossed the finish line in front of the Moulin Blanc harbour, in Brest. It took Brit Air’s skipper 2 days, 44 minutes and 40 seconds to sail the 385 mile long leg from Gijón to Brest, at an average speed of 6.34 knots.

Second one to Le Cleac’h? Watch out for the new kids on the block

05-08-2010

After more hours of exhausting sailing, in choppy seas and strong breeze with gusts at 30 plus knots, Armel le Cléac’h has imposed his supremacy once again at Saint Nazaire. Jérémie Beyou and François Gabart keep alternating in second position, ready to lauch the final attack. The latest ETA for leaders is around midnight. Brilliant performances by the newcomers to the race Francisco Lobato and Anthony Marchand.

What a night!

05-08-2010

Upwind, in choppy seas and a breeze of around 20 knots, it’s the trio made of Armel le Cléac’h, François Gabart and Jérémie Beyou lead the fleet after more than 20 hours of exhausting and physically demanding racing. The long reaching stretch across the Bay of Biscay is proving Armel Le Cléac’h’s more offshore option to be the best one. At 21h57, last night, Brit Air skipper and winner of the first leg, rounded SN1 mark just outside Saint Nazaire getting Grand Prix GMF Assistance. Young François Gabart (Skipper Macif 2010) and Jérémie Beyou (BPI) followed him shortly. These same three skippers were ranked at the top earlier today.

Beyou in the lead, high winds and rain on the menu

04-08-2010

Sun, warm weather and light wind are all just a memory for the 45 skippers participating to the 41st Solitaire du Figaro. The fleet crossed the high pressure ridge fairly early and is now preparing for the second night at sea, on their plate strong breeze, autumnal weather and rain. SN1 mark could be rounded soon.

Solitaire du Figaro second leg, skippers leave sunny Spain for Brest

03-08-2010

The 45 sailors competing on the 41st edition of La Solitaire du Figaro got off today at 14:00 from the Spanish town of Gijon, under sunny skies with 8/9 knots of breeze from the North. Internationally renowned skipper Yann Elies on Generali Europe Assistance takes the lead.

Figaro fleet ready for leg 2 start in Gijón

03-08-2010

The 45 solo sailors make final preparations, attend the official prize giving for the first leg from Le Havre to Gijón and skipper briefing to embark on start of the 2nd leg; 418 miles from Gijón in Northern Spain to Brest in Finisterre.

Armel Le Cléac’h on Brit Air wins first leg of Solitaire du Figaro

31-07-2010

At precisely 01:42:32 Armel Le Cléac’h on Brit Air crossed the finish line two miles outside the port of Gijon, on the Spanish Coast after 83 hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds. He covered the 515 miles from Le Havre to Gijón at an average speed of knots of 6.9 knots. Brit Air’s skipper has participated nine times to the Solitaire and scored three leg wins.

Leaders in tomorrow? Suspense running high

30-07-2010

The 45 skippers participating to first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro from Le Havre to Gijon endured another nail biting 24 hours. After more than three days at sea exhaustion is starting to take its toll on the solo sailors. The fleet has split in three groups, the situation is evolving fast and anything can still happen.

La Solitaire sailors halfway to Spain: slow motion finish?

29-07-2010

230 miles from the finish of the first leg of the Solitaire du Figaro the 45 solo sailors face a third complicated night at sea in very light and fickle breeze. The past 24 hours have produced several lead changes that continue to evolve on each position report. Yann Eliès makes a fast recovery from running aground yesterday to move up to second place behind Armel le Cléac’h. Sailors get some respite and gather strength for the second, tricky half of the leg across the Bay of Biscay and the high-pressure ridge.

Yann Eliès runs aground and then manages to get off

28-07-2010

At 8:43 p.m. this Wednesday, July 28, Yann Eliès warned Race Direction, that he had run aground on Primel beach in northern Finistere. The PSP's Cormoran Naval ship located in the area was warned one minute later at 8:44 p.m and set the rib off to meet the skipper. Finally, at 8:48 p.m., Eliès manages to get off unaided with the help of his engine, spinnaker and the boat's ballast. At 9:05 p.m., Eliès calls Jacques Caraës, the Race Director to report that everything is fine and that he is continuing route towards Gijón.

Figaro sailors head into second complex night at sea

28-07-2010

The 45 Figaro sailors set off from Le Havre in Northern Normandy yesterday on their first leg, 515 miles to the Gijón, in Asturias on the Spanish Cantabrian coastline. Eric Peron (Skipper Macif 2009) grabbed Karine Fauconnier’s (Eric Bompard Cachemir) early lead shortly after the last position poll and has continued over the past twenty four hours to maintain a narrow margin over his immediate pursuers, Erwan Tabarly (Nacarat), Adrien Hardy (Agir Recouvrement), Nicolas Lunven (Generali) Armel le Cléac’h (Brit Air). Sailors who opted for a more inshore course were rewarded with a lead this morning, however as the fleet rounded the Cherbourg headland filing down past and between Guernsey and Sark, the bulk regrouped. The coming twenty-four hours promises to be just as complex as the sailors attempt to get some rest and keep their keel and rudders clear of the seaweed before embarking on the passage at Four and the maritime traffic at Ushant on the turn south into the Bay of Biscay.

The stage is set in the Bay of Seine

27-07-2010

The 45 sailors competing on the 41st edition of La Solitaire du Figaro got off today at 14:00 under overcast skies in the bay of Le Havre with 8/9 knots of breeze from varying north-westerly direction. Bar the two individual recalls given to overeager rookies, Francisco Lobato (ROFF/TEMPO/TEAM) and Louis Maurice Tannyeres (St. Ericsson) the race got off to a clean start. Eric Peron (Massif 2009), warded off some stiff competition to reach the offset mark some thirty minutes into racing in the lead and continued to ward off attempts by Frederic Duthil (BBox) and Adrien Hardy (AGIR) to grab the coveted Radio France mark lead.

45 at La Solitaire du Figaro start

26-07-2010

The 45 competitors taking part in the 2010 edition of the classic summer solo race, La Solitaire du Figaro, are set to sail from Le Havre for Gijón on a 515 nautical mile leg tomorrow, Tuesday 27th July; the first of four stage race over the course of the next four weeks. With 8 rookies geared up for their first participation, 5 non French sailors wishing to leave their mark and 3 women including the return of Karinne Fauconnier, the 2010 line up promises to produce some memorable racing.

Gildas Morvan wins Prologue Suzuki

26-07-2010

French title holder Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) wins Prologue Suzuki in the waters of Le Havre, second place goes to Ronan Treussart (Lufthansa) and third toThomas Rouxel (Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne). An action packed prologue: light breeze, tidal flow and four starting procedures. Eight boats fall victim of a black flag start, including past winners Kito de Pavant and Jérémie Beyou.

40 years and 48 entries!

09-06-2010

The 41st edition of La Solitaire du Figaro will no doubt be the most important solo sailing event of the summer, from 20th July to 22nd August. With 48 entries, including 8 rookies and 5 non-French entries, some of the finest sailors of the moment will meet for the classic summer race. The superb line-up and a racecourse covering 1,717 nautical miles, made up of a combination of short sprint legs and long marathon legs should guarantee some great competition.

La Solitaire du Figaro 2010: promising line up of 75 pre-entries

10-02-2010

With 75 pre-entries and the participation of veritable mainstays of offshore racing, La Solitaire du Figaro 2010 has one of the most impressive line-ups of the past forty editions of the race. Le Havre will host the start of La Solitaire for the first time on July 27th The skippers will set sail from Le Havre, host start port for the first time, on July 27th on a 1,717 nautical miles mix of inshore and offshore racing over a four stage race.

Feared by the greatest, La Solitaire remains one of the toughest races and yet each year, it attracts professional and amateur sailors from all walks of life. To prove it, more skippers are eager to participate in La Solitaire this year than in the 40th edition! The 75 pre-entries, of which 17 are rookies, 3 are women and 8 are foreigners predict an exceptional Solitaire, which once again, is to be raced with a homogenous line-up and increasingly strong emotions.

No less than five previous winners will attempt to go for a second title, following in the steps of Jérémie Beyou, Armel Le Cléac'h, Kito de Pavant, Eric Drouglazet and Nicolas Lunven, the 2009 winner. "Used to being on the podiums over the years, Yann Eliès, Gildas Morvan, Corentin Douguet, Thierry Chabagny and Frédéric Duthil will be on the start line and setting out to try and get that overall win," comments race director, Jacques Caraës just a few hours before he set off on the Jules Verne Trophy record. "And La Solitaire would definitely not feel the same without the unconditional entry of the talented most senior member, Jean-Paul Mouren, who will be racing his 24th Solitaire!”

More skippers than for the 40th edition! The Bénéteau ranking will welcome 17 rookies this year, proof that the race still attracts fresh talents. "Amongst them, the Swiss Bernard Stamm, a big name in offshore racing, will be the most unusual of the rookies" notes Jacques Caraës. Also to be counted on are the young talents such as Damien Cloarec and Arthur Le Vaillant as well as Anthony Marchand, last prize-winner of the Brittany Region espoir selection. The ex mini racers will be in the game with the three promising skippers Laurent Bourgues, Charlie Dalin, and above all the winner of the mini transat 6.50 series Francisco Lobato, the first Portuguese to enter La Solitaire du Figaro.

A first and absolute participation record for the foreigners this year with 8 competitors compared to 5 in 2007! The international sailors are resolutely turning to La Solitaire: English, Swiss, Italian, Irish, Portuguese and Franco-German, 6 nationalities will champion their colours this summer. We will mention notably Jonny Malbon, Nigel King, Paul O'Rian and Pietro d'Ali. For the women, the very young Katie Miller, 9th of the OSTAR in 2009, will sail her first tacks on the race while Isabelle Joschke will be returning for the 3rd time.

The young wolves of the Class will be high in numbers this year with Fabien Delahaye and Paul Meilhat who fought out a formidable battle, finishing 1st and 2nd respectively, with only a 15-minute difference of the rookie ranking in 2009. François Gabart and Adrien Hardy will take part in their 3rd Solitaire alongside Erwan Tabarly, Jeanne Grégoire, Armel Tripon, Romain Attanasio, Laurent Pellecuer, Alexandre Toulorge, Sebastien Audigane, all faithful to the Class.

Once again crowds on the pontoons and a superb show on the water in prospect. As usual, it will yet again be hard to determine the winners on the podium of this Solitaire, celebrating its 40th edition this year. The skippers shall have four fine legs to decide between, the action starts on July 27th in Le Havre!

La Solitaire du Figaro announces 2010 edition of the race

07-12-2009

The 2010 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro will cover 1,717 nautical miles between ports both old and new to the race. There will be the return to Gijon and Kinsale, which will bring back memories that are part of the rich history of La Solitaire du Figaro. Between these two stages abroad, Le Havre will host the race start for the 41st edition for the first time. Brest and Cherbourg-Octeville will each host a stop-over once more.

French host ports for La Solitaire du Figaro 2010 announced

26-10-2009

Following an incredible 40th edition, La Solitaire du Figaro is already looking ahead to 2010 and unveils its French host ports of call. The full details of the course of the 41st edition of La Solitaire du Figaro shall be disclosed on Friday 4th December at the Paris Boat Show.

The Race Replayed - A Classic 40th Edition

20-08-2009

52 skippers at the start, 52 at the finish. Not one retirement. New young talents making their first appearances, the stars of offshore sailing proving their mettle, wonderful stories, deserving winners…. and above all suspense that endured to the very last miles. The 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro has delivered on all its promises: “I couldn’t have dreamed of better” says Race Director Jacques Caraës.

Nicolas Lunven wins 40th edition of La Solitaire in thrilling finish

19-08-2009

In the sport of offshore racing it just doesn’t get closer than this. After 511 miles of intense competition, the 52 boat fleet finished the fourth and final leg of the event’s 40th anniversary edition this afternoon in Dieppe, and right to the very end it was almost impossible to pick the winner. The 10 leading boats streamed across the line in a little under 12 minutes, and ultimately it was Antoine Koch (Sopra Group) who crossed first, at 14h12 and 48 seconds, followed by Nicolas Troussel (Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne) and Thomas Rouxel (Défi Mousquetaires). But the big winner is fourth placed Nicolas Lunven (CGPI), who holds off his adversaries to take the title of overall winner on accumulated time across all four legs.

50 Miles from the Finish, and the Game Wide Open

19-08-2009

The suspense continues this morning as the fleet reach the middle of the English Channel, no more than 50 miles from the finish line in Dieppe. As the wind has died down in the small hours, so the leading skippers - Frédéric Duthil, Charles Caudrelier Benac, Michel Desjoyeaux et Yann Eliès – have come under attack from all sides.

Countdown to Grand Finale Begins

18-08-2009

Since passing Wolf Rock and Land’s End last night, the fleet of Figaro Beneteaus has been making much faster progress than expected along the south coast of England, passing the four major headlands at the Lizard, Start Point, Portland Bill and Anvil Point on its way to the final mark of the course, the Needles Fairway buoy at the western entrance to the Solent. Presently making seven knots of boat speed, in variable south-easterly and south-westerly winds, the leaders are expected to round at about 1800 (UK time) this evening, before setting off on the final cross-Channel phase to the finish in Dieppe. Frédéric Duthil (BBox Bouygues Telecom) is tenaciously maintaining the narrow lead he has held for the last 36 hours, literally a stone’s throw from Charles Caudrelier Benac (Bostik) and a mile ahead of Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) in third. British skipper Nigel King continues to sail the Figaro leg of his life, consistently in touch with the leaders and less than 4 miles from the front.

Big Brother is Watching

17-08-2009

It isn’t often that the Race Office drops in on the fleet in the middle of an offshore yacht race, but that was the case this afternoon when the chartered jet carrying the whole circus of organizers and race officials of La Solitaire du Figaro were able to buzz 52 very surprised skippers mid-Irish Sea. The accompanying journalists will be able to write with the authority of first hand experience that at midday the fleet were making steady progress under spinnaker, on calm seas and with good visibility, on their way to Land’s End and their next mark of the course, Wolf Rock. The 1600 position report shows Frédéric Duthil (BBox Bouygues Telecom), Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) and François Gabart (Espoir Région Bretagne) holding the top three places, but with the bulk of the fleet within 5 miles of the leaders.

Fond Farewell to Dingle for 4th Leg Start

16-08-2009

It came very close to running like clockwork in Dingle Bay today, for the start of the fourth and final leg of this year’s Solitaire du Figaro. The promised wind settled in briskly this morning, and even moderated to a more manageable 16 or 17 knots by the scheduled 1200 (local time) start, though the south-westerly direction kicked up enough of a sea to give the numerous spectator boats an authentic if slightly uncomfortable nautical experience. After a general recall at the first attempt, the 52 boat fleet got away cleanly at 1214 precisely, and are now flying down the Irish coast on their way to the next mark of the course, the Fastnet Rock.

Dingle to Dieppe - Last Leg Starts Tomorrow

15-08-2009

The fourth leg of this year’s Solitaire du Figaro sets off from Dingle at noon local time tomorrow, at 511 miles the longest and the last of the series, and another classic mix of coastal and offshore sailing. After nearly three weeks of fantastically close racing, and the top fifteen skippers within one hour of accumulated time, there is everything still to play for, and the identity of this year’s champion will not be revealed until the very end.

Jérémie Beyou Victorious Again After a Night of Suspense

14-08-2009

For Race Officer Dominique Berenger, waiting patiently on the committee boat at the entrance to Dingle Harbour last night, it must have seemed like being on the receiving end of a nautical version of the Charge of the Light Brigade. After a third leg full of tactical twists and meteorological surprises, the weather threw a final curveball in the fleet’s direction as the leaders entered Dingle Bay yesterday afternoon. Less than 10 miles from the finish line the breeze in the bay died completely, and the placid waters became a parking lot for Figaro Beneteau 2s as the rest of the fleet piled around the corner at Valentia Island. It was to be six hours before enough breeze kicked in to propel the boats the final distance, by which time the view from the finish line was of a seemingly endless arc of navigation lights across the bay. Any one of 20 boats could have won it, but ultimately it was Jérémie Beyou (Bernard Paoli) who held his nerve and crossed first, for his second consecutive leg victory of this year’s edition of the race.

Words from the Winners in Dingle

14-08-2009

After the extraordinary third leg finish last night in Dingle Bay, with 47 of the 52 boat fleet arriving in 42 minutes, here are the first thoughts from the top three skippers as they stepped ashore.

Changing Weather Brings Unpleasant Surprises

13-08-2009

Equipped with only the most limited means of communication with the outside world, life can be full of surprises for the solo skipper in La Solitaire du Figaro - and not all of them welcome. Just one such bolt from the blue was delivered last night by a small disintegrating low pressure system, taking an unexpected dive south from its confidently predicted trajectory to land squarely on top of the front runners in the 52 boat fleet as they neared the southern coast of Ireland. Bringing a whole new array of light airs and windless traps to add to an already fluctuating regime, the result has been a comprehensive shake-up to the pack, with some notable slides down the rankings, and some narrow escapes. With the leaders expected to arrive in Dingle around 1900 (local time) this evening, there is little runway for dramatic comebacks.

The ‘Figaristes’ Dilemma - Short Term Gain or Long-Term Profit ?

12-08-2009

The sun put in a brief reappearance yesterday evening, but ever since it has been a return to unremitting greyness and damp for the 52 skippers making their way from France to Dingle, on Ireland’s west coast – a phenomenon the predominantly French fleet are happy to attribute to their growing proximity to the British Isles. The leg’s second night at sea presented the second of its key strategic challenges: the all-important timing of the change onto port tack to cross the ridge of high pressure blocking the route to Ireland. The result has been two principal groups of front-runners, and while Armel Tripon (Gedimat) and Antoine Koch (Sopra) have profited in the short term, 30 miles south-west of the Scillies they are now engaged in a to-and-fro battle with the opposing group, presently led by Armel Le Cleac’h (Brit Air).

First Night of Third Leg - Local Knowledge Pays

11-08-2009

After a first night spent dodging all manner of traps and obstacles, it would seem this third leg of the 2009 edition of La Solitaire is so far living up to its billing as the most tactical yet. The calm conditions of the start gave way to a night requiring full attention on the skippers’ part, as they made their way along the Breton coast towards the final mark of the course before the finish line in Dingle, the Cap Caval bouy off Penmarc’h Point, at the south-western end of Brittany. With plenty of islands and other rocky hazards to dodge, local knowledge was at a premium, and it was Port La Foret denizens Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) and Charles Caudrelier-Benac (Bostik), sailing on their own back doorsteps, who passed the mark seconds apart this morning before heading neck-and-neck into the Western Approaches.

Third Leg Under Way : Ireland Here We Come !

10-08-2009

The third leg of the 40th Anniversary edition of La Solitaire du Figaro got under way as scheduled at 13h00 this afternoon, a complex 485 mile passage between St. Gilles Croix-de-Vie in France’s Vendée region across to Dingle on the west coast of Ireland. Once again it was a gentle start, with 5 or 6 knots of westerly breeze under cloudless blue skies and on the flattest of seas. The mood among the 52 skippers is much more intense however, with the Figaro veterans relishing the prospect of a classic leg full of twists and turns, and those ranked further down the fleet in attacking mood, seeking every opportunity to take big risks and reap bigger rewards.

Eve of third leg : “This is where it starts to get serious”

09-08-2009

After the headlong, straight-line rush across the Bay of Biscay that was the second leg of La Solitaire, the third is shaping up to be a more classic, technical test of the ‘Figariste’, with abundant strategic options and the opportunity to make big gains… or to suffer big losses. With 120 miles more distance than in the last leg, and some tricky obstacles to negotiate, the 485 mile passage from St. Gilles Croix-de-Vie to Dingle in South-West Ireland could easily deliver a radical shake-up to the closely contested rankings. “We’re not exactly starting from square one” said Race Director Jacques Caraës “but it’s not far off.” Or as skipper Thomas Rouxel (Défi Mousquetaires) puts it “This is where it starts to get serious.”

A Tough Year to be a ‘Rookie’

08-08-2009

La Solitaire du Figaro has always paid attention to its first-timers. Picked out in the rankings there is a race within a race, that between the ‘bizuths’ as the French call them: the skippers making their first participation in this revered series of solo offshore races. Lining up in this year’s 40th edition there are 15 of them, and after two legs the competition for the top spots is as closely contested as for the over-all results.

Quotes from the Podium

07-08-2009

Jérémie Beyou (Bernard Paoli), winner of the leg and 5th overall

The tough nature of the race :
“The problem with this race is that you really have to suffer, at least I have yet to find any other way of doing it, and I think that anyone who thinks they can win it just by clicking their fingers has yet to be born !”

Jérémie Beyou Wins Second Leg at Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie

06-08-2009

The skipper of Bernard Paoli guided his Figaro Beneteau 2 across the finish line at 20H20 and 37 seconds this Thursday evening, to win the second leg of the event in an elapsed time of 52 hours 21 minutes 37 seconds – equivalent to an average speed across the 365 mile passage of 6.97 knots.

Light at the End of the Tunnel for Tired Skippers

06-08-2009

The Figaro fleet is expected to arrive in St. Gilles Croix-de-Vie tonight, and the finish line won’t come a moment too soon for the 52 skippers. This second leg has been one long drag race since the fleet escaped the light airs off northern Spain two days ago: a 300 mile upwind slog to SN1, the turning mark off St. Nazaire. Under grey skies and with consistently rough seas, life on board will have been anything but comfortable, the misty, humid conditions not even allowing the opportunity to get out of foul weather gear. At the front Jeremy Beyou (Bernard Paoli) has been able to protect his lead for the last 24 hours, and is expected to round the mark at about 1630 (French time). Once there it will be time to break out the spinnakers for a 35 mile downwind run to the finish.

Jérémie Beyou Leads the Pack

06-08-2009

There’s no down-time for the skippers as their headlong rush across the Bay of Biscay continues. Having reached the latitude of Oléron this morning, Jérémie Beyou (Bernard Paoli) has protected his overnight lead, having won up to a mile of extra breathing room from second-placed Nicolas Lunven (CGPI). Charles Caudrelier-Benac continues to hold third place; as the breeze has settled in so too have the rankings.

A Game of Snakes and Ladders

05-08-2009

Since yesterday’s light airs start at Coruna, the returning north-westerly breeze has comprehensively shuffled the pack, as the 52 boat fleet heads back across the Bay of Biscay on its way to the second leg finish at St. Gilles Croix de Vie. Having successfully side-stepped the patch of flat calm that presented the leg’s first major obstacle in its opening hours, by this afternoon the skippers had ticked off the first 150 miles of this 365 mile passage. For now the fleet remains relatively closely grouped, and in the fickle conditions each successive ranking brings numerous position changes.

Slow-Motion Start in Coruna for Second Leg

04-08-2009

There was just enough breeze to allow the 52 competitors a gentle morning sail out to the start area this morning, but after that it was ‘deja-vu’ for skippers and race committee alike as the light south-westerly faded and the ‘AP’ flag was hoisted to indicate the beginning of a waiting game, just as in last year’s Vigo stopover. The delay lasted no more than a couple of hours, and at 1559 the fleet ghosted over the start line, embarked on their 365 mile journey to St. Gilles Croix de Vie on France’s Atlantic coast.

Gentle Conditions Expected for Second Leg Return to France

03-08-2009

The second stage of the 2009 La Solitaire du Figaro gets underway at Coruna at 1400 (local time) tomorrow, the 52 boat fleet re-crossing the Bay of Biscay in a 365 mile passage to the port of St. Gilles Croix de Vie in France’s Vendee region. Early indications are that conditions will be relatively light in comparison to the robust weather encountered on the first leg from Lorient, but too little wind can present just as many challenges as too much in this tightly contested class.

Eliès Celebrates First Leg Victory in Coruna – But a Long Way to Go

02-08-2009

The dockside post mortems started almost as soon as Yann Eliès (Generali) crossed the finish line at 1759 and 15 seconds yesterday evening (Saturday), followed within the space of an hour by no less than 15 of his rivals. Numbered among them were most of the big names in this bumper 40th edition of the classic French offshore racing series. In Figaro terms such a neglible time difference between boats means it’s still practically level pegging for the overall title, and the start of the second leg next Tuesday is an opportunity to very quickly wipe the slate clean.

Quotes from the Podium : first thoughts on arrival in Coruna

02-08-2009

Yann Eliès (Generali), leg winner :

A taste for victory…
“It’s only a leg win, and I don’t plan on it being the last, but I’ll enjoy it all the same, and also try to keep thinking about what comes next. I want to go the full distance, to win an overall victory. I’ve got to win this event one of these days! It’s my fifth leg victory, but I can’t stop there ! "

Eliès Still Holding Narrow Lead in Nail-biting First Leg Finish

01-08-2009

The 52 solo skippers competing in the first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro are nearing the finish line at Coruna this evening, after a typically hard-fought leg which has seen some distinct strategic choices. Leading the fleet since Friday evening is Yann Eliès (Generali), returning to competition for the first time since miraculously surviving severe injury during the 2008-2009 Vendee Globe. The racing is close however, and in such a competitive class nothing will be certain until the very end. Estimated time for the first finishers is from 20H00.

The South Pays – Eliès Back in the Lead

01-08-2009

Yann Eliès took back the top spot last night (Friday), the strategy of the small group who took the southerly option having apparently paid off. But there is still 128 miles to go to the finish in Coruna, and with the breeze now veering into the north-west there’s no such thing as a sure-fire bet in this first leg of the race. The front runners are estimated to arrive from 2100 local time tonight.

Mid-Biscay and All to Play For

31-07-2009

It will have been a sleepless night last night for most of the 52 skippers on their way from Lorient to Coruna on the first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro. Within hours of the start, in a respectable 10 knots or so of breeze, they were stalled in the forecast light and variable conditions, and for the single-handers that means only one thing – time spent on deck hand steering and trimming sails to wring out every fraction of a knot of boatspeed.

Laurent Pellecuer comes out on top after light and tricky conditions on first night at sea

31-07-2009

Laurent Pellecuer holds narrow lead after a sleepless first night at sea in what was forecast to be very light conditions. The frustratingly light conditions mean the skippers have been stuck to helming and trimming sails and spinnaker. By early morning the breeze has veered to the south, spinnakers are packed away and the genoas used in the light 2 to 6 knots of breeze that is expected to build throughout the day.

Bright sunshine and ideal conditions for start of first leg

30-07-2009

The first leg of the 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro, one of the world’s toughest series of offshore races, got underway at 13h00 today in classic conditions. The 52 boat fleet enjoyed a clean start in an 11 knot westerly breeze, with a slight swell, bright sunshine and clear visibility.

Solitaire du Figaro : 52 Figaro sailors get ready for tactical first leg

29-07-2009

The fifty two solo sailors competing on the 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro will set off on the first of four legs tomorrow at 13:00. At 345 miles, the first leg from Lorient to La Coruña in Galicia, across the Bay of Biscay, is the shortest in terms of distance, but one that is likely to test all the sailors technical and strategy abilities.

Jérémie Beyou wins Suzuki Prologue on La Solitaire du Figaro

28-07-2009

The world’s solo sailing greats have gathered in Lorient to compete on the 40th Anniversary year of what is considered to be one of toughest events of the sailing season, La Solitaire du Figaro. 52 competitors will take part and six previous winners, with a total of ten years’ worth of wins return to test and hone their offshore racing skills against the world’s leading solo sailors and upcoming talent. Among the fifteen rookies keen to leave their mark is Johnny Malbon (Artemis), while fellow Briton Nigel King (Nigel King Yachting) and Franco-German sailor Isabelle Joschke return to make up the fleet’s international contingent. Jérémie Beyou (Bernard Paoli) defied superstition by winning the Suzuki Prologue race in Lorient.

La Solitaire du Figaro : 40th edition is underway !

26-07-2009

The fleet for the 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro is now moored at the pontoons by the Kéroman submarine base, with a final count of 52 skippers expected to be on the start line on Thursday July 30th after Christian Bos announced his withdrawal this morning. On the shore side of the event, La Solitaire’s race village opened its doors this morning in bright sunshine.

A legendary line-up for the 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro

08-06-2009

55 competitors, 3 foreigners and 15 rookies for the 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro. From Lorient to Dieppe passing by La Coruña in Spain, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie and Dingle in Ireland, the 2009 edition of La Solitaire will be competed over 1,706 nautical miles. The 2009 line-up is unquestionably/indisputably one of the finest in the history of the race.

An excellent 40th edition!

18-02-2009

The 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro promises to be excellent, with 71 pre-entries of which 20 are rookies, 3 are non French, not to mention the return of five previous winners. An anniversary edition that will take the fleet between France, Spain and Ireland on a classic course covering 1,706 nautical miles over four legs.

La Solitaire du Figaro 2009: 40th edition

04-12-2008

In 2009 La Solitaire du Figaro celebrates its 40th anniversary and a remarkable history. Since 1970, 538 sailors have made the start line of this “classic” summer event and there will be more newcomers in 2009. In this landmark year, the race sticks to the traditional format with a 1,706 nautical mile course set between France, Spain and Ireland on the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the English Channel.

The 40th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro announces the 2009 French host ports

18-09-2008

With La Solitaire 2008 just finished, all thoughts turn to 2009. This 40th edition will be special, measuring up to expectations with the return of some of the biggest names in offshore sailing. As a preview, the organisers announce the French host ports of call for the new edition; the overall course will be revealed, as each year, on the eve of the opening of the Paris Boat Show on Thursday 4th December.

Nicolas Troussel wins the 39th edition of Solitaire du Figaro, François Gabart, first in the rookie rankings

12-08-2008

Nicolas Troussel finished 18th on the last leg of La Solitaire du Figaro, but the 6 hour lead he had over his closest rival was more than enough to clinch the overall win of the 39th edition of La Solitaire. Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) and Frédéric Duthil (Distinxion Automobile) take 2nd and 3rd places respectively. François Gabart (Espoir Région Bretagne) wins the 2008 Beneteau Rookie Ranking by finishing 17th overall for his first time participation on the race.

Frédéric Duthil wins the last final leg of the Figaro in L’Aber Wrac’h

11-08-2008

Frédéric Duthil crossed the finish line at 17:24 and 30 seconds on Monday the 11th of August to win the third and final leg of the 39th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro from Cherbourg to Aber Wrac’h. The skipper of Distinxion Automobiles covered the 470-mile course 71 hours, 23 minues and 30 seconds at an average 6.6 knots. It was a duel for the 2nd and 3rd podium spots 5 minutes later; in an exiting match race right to the finish line, Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) beat Laurent Pellecuer (Dr Valnet-Aromathérapie) to second place by just 21 seconds. Nicolas Troussel (Financo), who leads on the overall rankings, is expected to finish in the next couple of hours to take the overall time win for the Solitaire, his second in 3 years.

Frederic Duthil takes control on the final spinnaker run

11-08-2008

Frédéric Duthil (Distinxion Automobile) rounded the Brittany Buoy in the lead at 21:38 last night, some 12 minutes ahead of Laurent Pellecuer (Dr Valnet-Aromathérapie) and Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) and by 08:00 had 95 miles to go to reach the finish in lAber Wrac’h. GMF, the medical assistance boat, that follow the fleet, marked off the boats rounding and we see that all had passed the mark by 08:00 this morning and are now making a steady 8 knots as they gybe and jostle for the best approach in the 10 to 15 westerly, southwesterly winds.

The final battle

10-08-2008

A fierce battle for the lead ensues on the final leg of La Solitaire du Figaro yacht race. Nine boats are within just a mile of each other as they furiously beat upwind to the Brittany Buoy, 20 miles further out to the East before they turn and make the final direct run back to l’Aber Wrac’h. Just 38 boats remain with 8 abandons since the start on Friday in Cherbourg. The front that swept over the fleet yesterday bringing with it over 30 knots of wind and heavy seas has finally eased and settled.

Duthil, Bérenger et Chabagny continue to led in the breeze

10-08-2008

The competitors in La Solitaire has reduced to 38 Figaro sailors. Conditions on the water have calmed slightly since the passage of a front yesterdy evening. It has been a busy night and last nights leaders continue to hold on this morning; Frédéric Duthil (Distinxion Automobile), Nicolas Bérenger (Koné Ascenseurs) snf Thierry Chabagny (Suzuki Automobiles).

Duthil, Bérenger et Chabagny continue to led in the breeze

10-08-2008

The competitors in La Solitaire has reduced to 38 Figaro sailors. Conditions on the water have calmed slightly since the passage of a front yesterday evening. It has been a busy night and last nights leaders continue to hold on this morning; Frédéric Duthil (Distinxion Automobile),

Uncomfortble Sailing conditions for Figaro competitors

09-08-2008

Eric Drouglazet (Luisina) just leads the fleet of 44 Figaro sailors ahead of Nicolas Bérenger (Kone) on the final leg of La Solitaire from Cherbourg to l’Aber Wrac’h in Brittany. Conditions on the water are rough, 30 knots of Southwesterly wind, with gusts of up to 40 and rough choppy seas. Overnight the fleet as split into three distinct groups from North to South, currently above Ushant, to find the best angle of approach to the next major point of passage, the Brittany weather mark some 250 miles West off Brittany.

Waiting for the front

09-08-2008

The 46 skippers have spent the first night at sea leaving the Cotentin coastline behind and heading southwest towards the Brittany buoy, the next point of passage, 220 miles away. The boats make headway threading their way through the different veins of current as they tack they way up to the next mark, each choosing the best way of approach out to the English Channel.

Course modification for final Figaro leg

08-08-2008

Following the postponement ashore to the start of the third and final leg of La Solitaire du Figaro race this morning, a modification to the course was announced to the skippers this afternoon. Because of the 40 to 50 knots of wind forecast over the Celtic and Irish Seas on Tuesday, the course will no longer take the fleet up round the Isle of Man, which would be dangerous for the 46 strong fleet of solo sailors. The new course is 501 miles long and will take the fleet 250 miles west of Brittany and back to the finish with a mark south off the isle of Sein.

The last and longest leg – 825 miles

07-08-2008

The third and final leg for the 2008 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro will set off tomorrow from Cherbourg-Octeville to L’Aber Wrac’h in Brittany. The course is 825 miles long from the start all the way up to the Irish Sea, round the Isle of Man and back down to the finish in Brittany. This is the longest leg in the history of the race. It will be the equivalent to two traditional legs, as the 39th edition will not be stopping in Ireland this year. All the same, the single-handed sailors will spend a long time in Irish waters, as they set course to round the Isle of Man, North-east of Dublin.

Troussel counts his advantage in hours…

05-08-2008

Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) is the worthy winner of the second leg, however Nicolas Troussel (Financo) has been masterful in the way he has mananged to further extend his lead in the overall time ranking. The 2nd and 3rd spots change; Gildas Morvan knocks Christian Bos out of second and is 6 hours and 18 minutes behind with Erwan Tabarly (Athema) pinching third from Frederic Duthil (Distinxion Automobiles), 7 hours and 33 minutes from the leader. All three skippers are hugely experienced and can count 29 participations between them in what is widely acknowledged as the toughest race on the Figaro circuit.

Cercle Vert wins in Cherbourg

04-08-2008

Gildas Morvan celebrated his 40th birthday on the eve of the start the race from Vigo to Cherbourg, three days later he can blow out four candles and celebrate his fourth leg victory since his first participation in the race in 1993. When asked at the start of La Solitaire du Figaro back in La Rochelle, what would his experience bring, he responded: “The difference comes down to how you handle the race, how you start and how you position yourself against the rest of the fleet.” As to whether he would be aggressive or not he responded, “There are key moment on each race, and these you have to know how to recognise and make the most of.

Gildas Morvan 56 miles from the finish in Cherbourg…

04-08-2008

The 47 skippers racing in La Solitaire passed the Brittany headland last night, some better position than others. Gildas Morvan continues to lead this morning, Guernsey and heading for the Cotentin headland, before the final run to the finish. Gildas holds a 10.4-mile advantage over Gildas Mahé (Le Comptoir Immobilier) on the 11:00 position report and with the 10 to 15 knots of Westerly breeze; the fleet averages just over 8 knots sailing under spinnaker. The first are expected to finish any time fro 18:00 to 20:00 local French time.

Lenze dismasts in the Bay of Biscay

03-08-2008

Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) continues to lead forty-eight hours into the 2nd leg of La Solitaire du Figaro race in 15 knots of southwesterly wind and big seas and is just over 200 miles from the finish. Lenze dismasts in the early hours of the morning following a collision with a cargo ship; safe and sound, the skipper heads for his home port in Trinité-sur-Mer under motor, forced to abandon the race. The leaders are expected to pass Ushant from 10 p.m. this evening, just as the tide will to turn and Jean-Philippe Le Meitour (La Voix de l’Enfant) trails alone, 40 miles behind Elodie Riou on KPMG and over 90 miles from the leader.

Frank Le Gal hit by cargo ship

03-08-2008

Last night in the black of night with no visibility Lenze was dismasted as a result of entering into collision with a cargo ship. The skipper, Frank Le Gal (Lenze) is sound and safe and motors towards Trinité-sur-Mer as he is forced to abandon the race. Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) continues to lead the competition.

The Rich get Richer

02-08-2008

Twenty-four hours into the second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro and conditions on the water have changed. The sun has come out, there is 15 knots of westerly breeze and the fleet makes good headway to the Brittany point, the next major mark of passage on the 575-mile race from Vigo to Cherbourg-Octeville on the Normandy coast.

Freeway across the Bay

02-08-2008

The Figaro fleet has covered over a hundred miles since yesterday’s start and the latched on to the stonger westerly breeze that will eventually take them across the Bay of Biscay towards Ushant. Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) leads by 6.7 miles and average boat speeds close on 9 knots.

Figaro Fleet Finally Off

01-08-2008

The second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro from Vigo to Cherbourg-Octeville got off today at 14:45 after further delays due to lack of wind. This forced the Race Committee to adopt an alternative start plan. The fleet of Beneteau Figaro boats was towed out 1.5 miles offshore beyond the Cies Islands for simple start, at right angle to the rhumb line and so leaving out the traditional offset and Radio France Marks in order to sailors to get off as soon as possible.

Leg two Figaro Start postpone to Friday 10 am

30-07-2008

The Race Director of La Solitairere du Figaro announced this afternoon, a postponement to the start of the second leg of the race, 590 miles from Vigo to Cherbourg in France. The start, initially to be given on Thursday 31st at 16:00, is now set for Friday at 10:00.

Nicolas Troussel secures massive advantage on first Figaro leg

29-07-2008

Nicolas Troussel crossed the finish line of the first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro on board Financo yesterday afternoon just before 4 p.m., a massive 5 hours, 33 minutes and 44 seconds ahead of Christian Bos, the first of his 49 rivals. The Figaro sailors continued to arrive off Cape Ortegal throughout the night and Tuesday morning with Fabrice Amadeo on Aquarelle.com bringing a close to the fist leg, 21 hours and 35 minutes after the winner. Following Troussel and Bos, Frédéric Duthil finished third more than six and a half hours later. The wind then dropped frustrating any hopes of a comeback for the remainder of the solo sailors.

Four competitors have yet to finish the first leg…the remainder head for Vigo under engine

29-07-2008

By 06:20 this morning, forty-six of the competitors had crossed the finish line of the first leg in Galicia. The time differences are massive, Troussel holds a 5 hour 33 minute and 46 second lead over Christian Bos, then the following 29 boats finish up to ten hours behind.

Nicolas Troussel wins in Spain

28-07-2008

The skipper of Financo crossed the finish line at Cape Ortegal at 15:50 and 46 seconds. Nicolas Troussel therefore wins the first leg of the 39th edition of the race after 73 hours, 32 minutes and 46 seconds of racing at an average 4,35 knots over the 320 mile shortened course.

Troussel leads alone…

28-07-2008

There is a radical change to the situation of the Figaro fleet now sailing off the Asturian coastline in 25 knots of westerly wind and just 40 miles from the finish. Nicolas Troussel (Financo) extends his lead over the remainder of the fleet to 25 miles and the latest ETA is brought forward to this afternoon.

Lack of wind forces Race Committee to Shorten first leg of Figaro

27-07-2008

The light conditions felt over the Bay of Biscay over the past two days have forced the Race Committee and Race Director to come to a unanimous decision to shorten the 450 mile leg from La Rochelle in Vigo by some 130 miles. The 2006 winner, Financo, continues to make gains over his 49 rivals increasing his advantage to nearly 60 miles over last placed Fabrice Amadeo (Aquarelle.com).

First Figaros now expected Tuesday to Wednesday in Vigo - Galicia

27-07-2008

The light conditions experienced since the start of the first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro have means the fleet of 50 competitors are unlikely to reach the finish in Vigo before late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

The Biscay Doldrums

26-07-2008

Christian Bos (Région Midi Pyrenées) slides into the lead ahead of Erwan Tabarly (Athema) twenty-four hours into the first leg of La Solitaire du Figaro race. The fleet of 50 boats left La Rochelle on Friday lunchtime in very light breeze, have had virtually no wind over night with just slightly more this morning and making painfully slow progress to the finish in Vigo, 380 miles away. Just 70 miles in twenty four hours and light conditions to come sets back the ETA to late Monday or early Tuesday.

A first calm night at sea off La Rochelle

26-07-2008

Since yesterday’s afternoon’s start of the Solitaire du Figaro in La Rochelle, the fleet of 50 competitors had covered just 27,4 miles at 04:30 this morning, that is an average 1,9 miles per hour! So a frustratingly calm night for the sailors, who are left to work continually, fine-tuning their boat.

Light Conditions for Figaro Start

25-07-2008

The 50 sailors competing in this year’s Solitaire du Figaro finally got off today on the first leg from La Rochelle in France to the Galician port of Vigo in Northern Spain. This is the first of three legs that make up 1,880 miles long race between France and Spain via the Northern Irish Sea.

50 Solo sailors for Friday Figaro start

24-07-2008

Fifty sailors will set off from La Rochelle tomorrow at 13:00 on the first of three legs of La Solitaire du Figaro, they key event of the Figaro solo sailing calendar.
The 2008 edition will cover 1,880 miles over three legs: La Rochelle to Vigo in Galicia, then a return leg to Cherbourg in France before the final marathon leg of 826 miles (the longest leg in the 39 year history of the race) to L’Aber W’rach on the northern tip of Brittany, by way of the Isle of Man in the north Irish Sea.

The Suzuki Prologue, the traditional warm up event to the start of La Solitaire du Figaro takes place today in La Rochellle.

23-07-2008

49 competitors will cover the 17-mile course set on the Perthuis, between the Minimes Point and Boyard Fort with the finishing line opposite the l’île d’Aix

51 skippers on the starting line of the Solitaire du Figaro.

17-07-2008

At 2 days of opening of the village of the 39ème edition of the Solitaire du Figaro with La Rochelle, they are from now on 51 competitors including 11 freshers, 4 women and 5 foreigners, to take the departure of the race on Friday July 25.

54 skippers take on the Solitaire du Figaro 2008

11-06-2008

The scene is set for the 39th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro: 54 competitors, 5 women and 13 rookies, 3 legs, 1880 nautical miles of racing. From La Rochelle to Vigo in Spain, passing by Cherbourg-Octeville to finish in l’Aber Wrac’h via the Isle of Man, the 2008 Solitaire fleet will be given free rein to show off their talents on a race course carefully planned by race director Jacques Caraës.

La Solitaire du Figaro 2008: 79 skippers entered to date!

18-02-2008

79 skippers of which 25 are rookies, 6 are women and 8 from outside France, have registered to take part in La Solitaire du Figaro in 2008. For this 39th edition of the race, the competitors will follow in the footsteps of the original “Course de l’Aurore” race, a race made up of three stages, amounting to a new record 1,880 nautical miles.

La Solitaire du Figaro 2008: Three stages and even more miles

29-11-2007

La Solitaire du Figaro 2008 returns to the original format: the 39th edition of the race, like the original Course de l’Aurore, it will be made up of three stages, one less yet with even more miles and a new host stop over port. There will be record 1,880 miles to cover over the course of the race between France and Spain and through the Irish and Celtic Seas.

La Solitaire du Figaro: Suzuki signs 3 years partnership

02-10-2007

Suzuki signs up to be main sponsor of La Solitaire for the next 3 years, an event they have supported since 2006. Suzuki France and Groupe Le Figaro have signed a partnership deal for 2008, 2009 and 2010. The race therefore calls itself once again “La Solitaire du Figaro” and introduces a new event logo with the main sponsor, Suzuki.

Review of the 38th edition of La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro - A Solitaire for the Brave

23-08-2007

The 2007 edition of La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro race has been held in truly wintry conditions: Lots of wind, cold, rain and big seas… A Solitaire held in testing conditions, a Solitaire for the brave. The first leg to Ireland was incredibly varied and tactical, full of opportunities to come back, followed by a second very fast sprint south to Brest for the second leg. Then two huge and memorable storms in the Bay of Biscay, one the competitors had to endure upwind on the third leg and the other downwind with anemometer readings of 50 knots during the final leg. Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) proves to the world that when he competes only two other spots remain on the podium at the end of the race. The ‘King of Solo’ continues to show his dominance in this game completely: with four out of four podium finishes, a leg win and logically the overall title holder. Incredible. Just behind him half a dozen new sailors take some of the glory. Fred Duthil (Distinxion), with good fortune on his side this year, won two legs, the first into Ireland and the final one to Les Sables d’Olonne. Corentin Douguet (E.Leclerc/Bouygues Telecom) gained such a huge time margin winning the leg to La Coruña that he was able to take the third step of the podium on only his second participation in the event, whilst Nicolas Lunven (Bostik) won first place in the Bénéteau Rookie Rankings.

Michel Desjoyeaux gives us his first impressions after winning La Solitiare Afflelou Le Figaro.

21-08-2007

Three thirds; Crosshaven, La Coruna and Les Sables d’Olonne and one memorable 1st place in Brest What does it feel to have won the La Solitiare for the third time?

Frédéric Duthil wins in Les Sables d’Olonne and Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) overall winner of the 38th edition of La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro race

21-08-2007

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) wins La Solitiare Afflelou Le Figaro race, one of the toughest single-handed sailing events in the French Figaro racing circuit. The third place finish in Les Sables d’Olonne, 41 minutes and 55 seconds behind Fréderic Duthil (Distinxion) and Gérald Veniard (Scutum) respectively, was enough to secure him the overall time lead to clinch the title of winner. Three third places and one win on the second leg produced a sufficient gap with total time deficits to win the race overall.

Fréderic Duthil wins the fourth and final leg of the 38th edition of La Solitiare Afflelou Le Figaro between La Coruña and Les Sables d’Olonne.

21-08-2007

The skipper of Distinxion, crossed the finish line at 02h20m10s this morning and covered the 340 mile course in 1 day 11 hours, 20 minutes and 10 seconds at an average 9.62 knots.

Rough Conditons for Figaro Finish

20-08-2007

The sailors competing in La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro race are encountering tough conditions for the fourth and final leg between La Coruña in Galicia and the finish in Les Sables d’Olonne. The sea is forecast to be very rough with four to five metre waves and the anemometers are reading 40 knots, due to increase when the front passes bringing gusts of 50 knots before the night is out. More than 200 miles of the 355-mile race have been covered since the start at 3 pm yesterday. Race Director, Jacques Caraës, announced this morning that as a security measure, the Port Bourgenay Mark, south of the Sables d’Olonne, has been removed from the racecourse.

Médiathèque