Word from the Skippers

Sunday, September 7, the highlight of the sailing season will begin: La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, organized by OC Sport Pen Duick.

Over three weeks, 35 skippers will push themselves to the limit, digging deep into their resources in the hope of claiming a leg victory—or even conquering the most demanding solo offshore race with stopovers. This new edition already promises thrilling stories and nail-biting suspense.

© Vincent Olivaud

Whether seasoned or newcomers, all dream of these legendary stages. Tiphaine Ragueneau (ORCOM), Hugo Cardon (Sarth’Atlantique), Maël Garnier (Selencia – Cerfrance) and Victor Le Pape (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir) share their thoughts on this edition, their ambitions, and their strengths.

What do you think of the 2025 La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec course?

Tiphaine Ragueneau, rookie:

“It’s quite a complete course. It really reflects the spirit of La Solitaire, but this year the final leg is a tough one, which is a bit intimidating, especially for a rookie. The most demanding stage comes last, and fatigue will certainly be a factor. I’ll need to stay sharp. I love spending time at sea—it’s always such a unique experience. Last year I took part in the Défi Paprec, double-handed, on the first leg, but this time it will be very different sailing solo.”

Hugo Cardon, rookie:“What I really like about this edition is the genuine offshore racing. Going around the Fastnet should really open up the game. Crossing the Bay of Biscay and rounding Cape Finisterre will also be exciting. I’d actually enjoy some heavy-weather conditions in that area. What worries me more is the third leg, with the accumulated lack of sleep. The finish in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue will also be tricky, especially after passing l’Occidentale de Sein. The climb back north is going to be a real challenge. That’s why La Solitaire isn’t necessarily won on the first or second leg—it can be decided right up to the finish. The cards can be reshuffled even in the very last hours with the tidal gates.”

Maël Garnier, 5th participation:“This course really reflects what La Solitaire is all about. The first leg is a classic—Baie de Seine, the Channel exit, the Fastnet. The second starts with familiar ground, from Baie de Morlaix down to the Spanish coast. But the finish in Vigo will be tricky with very light winds, and Cape Finisterre can be a trap as well. In September, we can get some big depressions, which I’d actually welcome—it would be great to push hard in heavy seas. On the final leg to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, rounding Barfleur can really hurt. It’s a marathon stage with plenty of climbs. We’ll also have to watch for seaweed and stay alert. In the final miles, everything can change.”

Victor Le Pape, 3rd participation:“This will be my third La Solitaire. I’m no longer a rookie and I’m getting to know the sailing zones well. The course stays true to the spirit of the race: demanding, varied, with offshore, coastal, and lots of opportunities to play. The legs, some nearly 700 miles long, are dizzying. The finish in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, after the Raz Blanchard, could shuffle the pack once again and promises great battles on the water.”

What are your ambitions for this edition?

Tiphaine Ragueneau:“It’s hard to say for a first attempt. Of course, I want to do well, especially in the rookie category. But I won’t set a specific result goal yet—on a first Solitaire, it’s very complicated. If I manage a good result and enjoy myself, then I’ll consider it a victory.”

Hugo Cardon:“As a rookie, my first goal is simply to finish, enjoy the race, and achieve the best possible result. That’s already a lot, but I do hope to fight for a podium in the rookie rankings.”

Maël Garnier:“My ambition for this 2025 edition is clearly to aim for at least a top 10, and why not a podium on one of the legs. Several of us can fight for that top 10. I’ll focus on myself, trust my instincts, and make sure I finish without regrets, taking bold decisions when needed.”

Victor Le Pape:“I’ve finished in the top 10 in my last two editions, and I’d like to repeat that, with the goal of breaking into the top 5. The level at the front is very high, so aiming for a podium or victory is ambitious—but in La Solitaire, anything is possible. I approach it with an outsider’s mindset, which I like: lying in wait, ready to seize opportunities and take risks. Despite a fairly average start to the season, I can’t wait to show what I’m capable of this year.”

What are your strengths and weaknesses in Figaro sailing?

Tiphaine Ragueneau:“My strengths are probably my discipline and ability to stay focused, and to recognize when things are going wrong and why. I rely on my routines, which help me bounce back. My weakness, I think, is confidence—in myself and my choices. That will definitely cause some headaches. I also need to be more patient. I’ve made progress, but it’s still not my strongest quality.”

Hugo Cardon:“I won’t reveal too much about my strengths so as not to give away information to competitors (laughs). But I do know that I manage rest well, which helps me stay sharp. I’m not always the fastest, but I try to stay rested enough to make good decisions and stay active with sail changes and trim adjustments. I like strong winds and feel comfortable maneuvering in them, which can make a difference—not against the top guys, but against those with less experience. I don’t hesitate to push hard. My weaknesses are light winds and constantly staying on top of trimming. Sometimes I forget to rest enough in those conditions, trying too hard to get the boat moving again. I can also be impatient, trying bold moves that aren’t always wise.”

Maël Garnier:“I had a breakthrough this year, especially during the Transat Paprec—I trust myself more now. I’ve changed some aspects of my preparation and feel mentally fresh. My weakness, which I’ve noticed several times, is that I often start strong but then get caught up later. I need to maintain that initial energy all the way and never let go.”

Victor Le Pape:“I feel I know the boat really well now, and I know myself better too. I enjoy heavy weather and demanding legs. Deep down, I like pushing myself to the limit, which is what La Solitaire is all about. I think I have a fairly complete profile. It’s always hard to pinpoint weaknesses before La Solitaire because we try to work on them, to have as few as possible. But compared to some of the top 5 or top 10 competitors, I have a bit less experience. I also feel a bit of pressure, as this is my last year with Team Région Bretagne CMB. Even if that’s not my sponsor’s main focus, I really want to achieve a strong result.”