Yoann Richomme returns to La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in 2026!

thomashowson2
40 minutes ago
4 min read

In 2026, during the construction of the new IMOCA Paprec, the skipper will take part in the Figaro season under the colors of Paprec . Objective: to confront the younger generation and continue to write his beautiful story with the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec which he won twice, in 2016 and 2019.

When it comes to setting new goals, Yoann Richomme still has the enthusiasm of a young sailor. Next season will be a further illustration of this: after three years of IMOCA competitions, Yoann will return to the Figaro Bénéteau circuit. " This choice was almost imposed on us ," explains the skipper with a smile. " It's exciting to set ourselves this challenge while building our new monohull ." Major phases of the project will take place next year for the future IMOCA Paprec, with the molding planned for April and the deck fitting in the summer.

Yoann thus renews the tradition of great sailors (Alain Gauthier, Yann Eliès, etc.) who, between two round-the-world races, come to brush up on their skills on the Figaro circuit, racing on equal terms against the rising generation of sailors.

“Yoann’s return to Figaro is very good news” (Yann Eliès)

Alongside the construction monitoring, Yoann Richomme will therefore be sailing in the Figaro and will participate in its main event, the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. “ I have a very strong connection with this series and this race ,” confides Yoann. “I appreciate its sporting level, its high standards and its ability to constantly bring out new talent .” Even though he has not competed in the Beneteau Figaro Class since 2019, the skipper has very good memories of it, having won the Solitaire du Figaro twice (2016 and 2019) in the space of eight seasons.

The Paprec Arkéa sailor knows that, if he wins again, he can join the very exclusive club of three-time winners of the Solitaire du Figaro. There are only six of them in this category: Philippe Poupon, Jean Le Cam, Michel Desjoyeaux, Jérémie Beyou, Armel Le Cléac'h and Yann Eliès. The latter, co-skipper of Yoann during the first two years of the IMOCA Paprec Arkéa project and crew member during The Ocean Race Europe, is delighted with the return of "Yoyo" to the Figaro: " I think it's very good news. The Figaro is the school of self-sacrifice. Coming back to the circuit when you're building a new boat allows you to keep your hand in and stay at the same level ."

A " exciting link » woven by Paprec

Yoann knows that the mission promises to be particularly delicate. " I'm going to be up against young people who have completely mastered the medium... But their level makes you want to rub shoulders with them ! » It is therefore with great humility that the skipper approaches this challenge. “ You have to be humble and respectful of those who have been performing within the Class for several years .” A real challenge in perspective which corresponds to Yoann’s deep aspirations. “ I’m not really interested in doing a race that I’ve already won ,” he explains. Competing in the Solitaire again is an opportunity. If I manage to perform, I know that I can be at the front. And then taking risks is part of the game ! »

This new challenge is also a nod to Paprec's commitment: since 2022, the group has been working alongside Yoann, and is also the title partner of the Solitaire du Figaro. " I find the connection that Paprec has forged with this race fascinating. I identify very much with the values of the Solitaire, which are identical to those upheld on a daily basis by all the employees of the Paprec group and its subsidiaries ." Note that while the calendar has yet to be finalized, Yoann is expected to take part in preparatory races ahead of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, including the Solo Guy Cotten Concarneau and the Laura-Vergne Trophy.

Sébastien Petithuguenin, Managing Director of the Paprec group :

“ We are extremely pleased that Yoann Richomme will be taking the start of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026, under the Paprec colors. With two emblematic victories in 2016 and 2019, he knows this demanding race intimately, a true school of solo excellence. The solo race is an extreme event that condenses all the difficulties of ocean racing into a sprint of three or four legs and pushes the abilities and bodies of sailors to their limits (lack of sleep, exposure to the elements, etc.). His choice to return demonstrates his deep attachment to this event, but also a desire to stay in the rhythm of competition while his new IMOCA Paprec is being built in preparation for the 2028 Vendée Globe.

As the title partner of La Solitaire du Figaro, Paprec is proud to support a race that embodies the values we uphold every day: commitment, performance, boldness, and team spirit. Welcoming Yoann to this 2026 edition, in a shorter but still intense format, is a unique opportunity to continue to showcase our commitment to high-level sailing, alongside an exceptional skipper. "