Two options are emerging along the Iberian coast

Could this be the great escape we are witnessing right now?

On a stretch of coastline very close to the shore, a group of Figaro sailors are taking all-out risks to try and come out on top.

©Thomas Campion

Led by Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean), the westernmost leader, the fleet is accompanied by Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire), Nicolas Lunven (PRB), Martin le Pape (Paprec), Paul Morvan (Foricher - French Touch), Tiphaine Ragueneau (ORCOM), and Edouard Golbery (SOS Village d'Enfants), the easternmost leader. This strategy hasn't yet translated into results in the standings, but it could well pay off soon. Slightly further back, but on a more westerly trajectory, Tom Dolan (Kingspan), Arno Biston (Article.1), Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne CMB Espoir), and Victor Mathieu (Elitys) are also well positioned.

Still the provisional leader, Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif 2025) appears to be threatened by these two groups unless he encounters more pressure to head down towards Cape Finisterre. Landings near La Coruña and this symbolic Cape are always very unpredictable.

This region, with its very steep terrain and multiple coastal shifts, is a real puzzle for the sailors trying to reach the south. While the pressure is mounting for the Figaro sailors, the only consolation lies in the weather, which has decided to turn beautiful and offers almost summer-like conditions. A quick way for the skippers to recharge their batteries before tackling the final day of this first leg of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. It's a safe bet that this night will be the scene of many exciting racing events and that a few surprises could occur at dawn.