Another Day of Attrition and Strategy on La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
The third leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec entered a particularly demanding phase on Tuesday. Beating into the wind and through a frontal system, the sailors have been helming for long hours in gruelling conditions, with sleep reduced to the bare minimum. After 44 hours of racing, and with two previous legs already in their legs, the fatigue is beginning to take its toll. Yet in a fleet that remains remarkably compact, even the smallest mistake can still prove extremely costly.
In the provisional overall standings, Tom Dolan aboard Kingspan continues to set the pace, and what a pace it is. He appears determined to give no opportunity whatsoever to his closest rivals, Nicolas Lunven (PRB) and Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean), in the battle for the overall title. Once the fleet has rounded the Occidentale de Sein lighthouse, the leaders will be able to accelerate, and the pace at the front is expected to increase dramatically.
Tom Dolan, the Relentless Leader
In these highly technical and physically demanding conditions, experience is currently making the difference. The most seasoned sailors occupy the leading positions, maintaining a relentless pace in what has become a true sprint race along the Breton coastline.
The fleet is progressing between Groix and the Glénan archipelago on a hard-fought upwind leg where every sail adjustment and tactical decision matters. A number of experienced competitors are excelling in these conditions, sailing both fast and smart.
There have been few changes at the top of the stage rankings. Irish skipper Tom Dolan continues to lead the fleet and is determined to hold on in pursuit of a second La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec title. Behind him, however, a group of equally ambitious sailors is eager to challenge his dominance.
Loïs Berrehar, who suffered a setback during the second leg, is hoping to make up lost ground. Martin Le Pape, drafted in at the last minute to replace Yoann Richomme aboard Paprec, is enjoying an excellent race. Meanwhile, Nicolas Lunven aboard PRB is aiming to erase his three-minute deficit and claim a third overall victory, nine years after his last triumph.
Round the Glénan and Head West
As the afternoon progresses, competitors are expected to tack and begin their westward journey toward the tip of Brittany. A long stretch now lies ahead toward the Breton headland and the Occidentale de Sein lighthouse, a strategic waypoint before the major turning point of this final leg.
The route also includes the Intermediate Sprint, where valuable time bonuses are at stake: five minutes for first place, three minutes for second, and one minute for third. With such small gaps separating the sailors, these bonuses could prove decisive.
Preserving Energy for the Long Haul
Before entering the English Channel, skippers will need to seize every possible opportunity to rest. From Wednesday onwards, conditions are expected to change dramatically.
Strong winds, rough seas, and particularly challenging weather are forecast for the climb north toward the final turning mark off the English coast before the fleet heads south again toward the finish line in Le Havre. In such circumstances, managing fatigue could become just as important as choosing the right route.
All eyes are now focused on this final section, which promises to be spectacular. Combining strategy, endurance, and outright speed, this Channel passage has all the ingredients for a memorable finale and will determine the overall winner of the 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.
Three Retirements on Leg Three
Three sailors have unfortunately been forced to retire from this third leg.
American skipper Erica Lush (Hope) was compelled to end her race after suffering a tear in her mainsail. Davy Beaudart (Nautymor) was forced to withdraw due to an issue with his onboard aerial system. Quentin Mocudet (Saveurs & Délices), meanwhile, was unable to continue toward Le Havre after sustaining an injury during the first day of the leg.
