New Horizons at Solitaire du Figaro 2026

The 56th Edition Set for September 2025

The highly anticipated 56th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is set to start from Rouen on September 7, 2025. Covering a grueling 1,850 miles over three legs, this competition features 35 sailors racing in Figaro Beneteau 3s. Each decision made along the course from the Seine River to Cape Finisterre could greatly impact the standings, adding an element of strategy to the thrill of sailing.

Exciting River Departure: A First in Sailing History

On August 30, 2025, the opening of the village in Rouen signifies a landmark moment. The fleet's journey will begin at the Seine, requiring special logistical setups as they navigate the river before heading to the sea. A critical part of the send-off is the raising of the Flaubert Bridge to allow yachts to pass, marking a symbolic start. Such a departure signifies numerous technical requirements, including managing tides, ensuring safe navigation, and overseeing the coexistence of competitive vessels and local traffic.

A Challenging Route Awaits Competitors

The race, orchestrated by director Yann Château, will send competitors through a route fraught with challenges, including the dynamic currents of the English Channel, navigating around Pointe du Raz, and confronting the vastness of the North Atlantic as they sail around the iconic Fastnet Rock. Ultimately, Cape Finisterre will serve as a bifurcation point in this exhilarating race, demanding constant attention from sailors to weather conditions and local effects while making tactical sailing decisions.

Equal Play with the One-Design Figaro Beneteau 3

All participants in this edition of the Solitaire will compete aboard the Figaro Beneteau 3, a 10.85 m one-design foiling yacht. Launched in 2019, this vessel ensures fairness in the competition as all skippers operate the same model. The distinction lies in sail preparation and the skipper's ability to make the most of minute adjustments in tuning. The Figaro 3 is famous for its demanding upwind sailing and precise weather transitions, serving as a rigorous test for a sailor's technical skills and endurance.

Celebrating Diversity in the Fleet

This year's race features 35 skippers, including an inspiring mix of 13 rookies, 8 women, and 5 sailors from abroad. Tom Dolan, the defending champion, enters the race as a strong contender, alongside Alexis Loison, the recent winner of the Fastnet Race, and Charlotte Yven, who aims to make history as the first woman to win the Solitaire. The range of competitors reflects the event's role as a nurturing ground for the new generation of ocean sailors.

A Tradition of Excellence in Offshore Racing

Originating in 1970 as the Course de l'Aurore, the Solitaire du Figaro has solidified its status as a prestigious event in the sailing world, now celebrating its 55th year in 2025. The race has birthed iconic figures in ocean racing such as Michel Desjoyeaux and Armel Le Cléac'h, setting a benchmark in small-boat sailing competitions. With its real-time racing factor, skippers must minimize errors as even the slightest miscalculation can affect their overall standing significantly, embodying the event's role as a grueling trial of solo sailing mastery against nature and personal limits.

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As the sailing world prepares for the remarkable 2025 edition of the Solitaire du Figaro, each detail reflects the growing significance of events as part of the global tourism landscape. It’s crucial to note that these competitions not only captivate audiences but also contribute to the evolution of recreational sailing experiences. Initiatives like GetBoat play a vital role, connecting sailing enthusiasts to accessible and transparent options for booking boats and yachts, ensuring smooth sailing. Start crafting your seaside adventures today—the waves are waiting!