They’re off! At 1 p.m. this Sunday, September 7, the 34 solo skippers of the 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec set sail from the Bay of Seine towards the Bay of Morlaix.
A 638-mile opener entirely in the English Channel awaits — a punishing playground of currents, shifting weather, and endless obstacles.
Cold, damp, exhaustion, and the will to succeed will all weigh heavily. The sailor who best manages that cocktail will take the spoils. Four Channel crossings are on the menu, and mental stamina will likely be the decisive weapon.
The atmosphere on the docks was a mix of calm smiles and laser-sharp focus. The blue skies and sparkling conditions at the start were no illusion to the skippers — they know the easy beginning will soon give way to a tougher reality. Within hours, the fleet will be pushed into a building breeze as they line up against the English coast.
“La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is unlike any other race. It’s a raw adventure that demands exceptional physical and mental commitment — the sailors will barely sleep, they’ll battle cold, fatigue, strategy, food, and push themselves every second. All the energy we invest throughout the year comes to life today, with this remarkable line-up and demanding course. Now it’s up to the sailors to embody the race, and turn it into pure emotion, performance, and top-class competition,” said Julie Coutts, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick.
The first 24 hours are expected to be crucial — with little to no chance of rest. The opening sprint will stretch into a four-day battle across one of the busiest, most complex stretches of water in the world.
Fast and furious start
A lively 15-knot southeasterly set the stage for a spectacular English-style start on a beam reach. Timing was everything: Paul Morvan (French Touch – Foricher) was the quickest off the line but slightly too early, forcing him to recross. That left Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL) to lead around the first mark, chased hard by Jules Ducelier (Région Normandie) and Jules Delpech (P’TIT DUC). The youngest in the fleet, Tom Goron (Groupe Dubreuil), showed no nerves and slotted into second at the spinnaker hoist — an early statement from the 18-year-old.
The fleet then powered along the Cap de la Hève cliffs, the breeze softening to around 10 knots. Goron was first to round the Paprec buoy, earning himself the inaugural Paprec Trophy, with Ducelier and Delpech close behind.
From there, gennakers unfurled as the fleet headed towards Skerries Bank, the first major waypoint of this demanding leg. While the sailors enjoyed manageable conditions early on, the forecast promises a steady increase in wind strength, demanding more grit and focus with every mile. The real test is yet to come.
Voices from the docks
Tom Dolan (Kingspan): “I’m just really happy to be here. This course is much more open with its four Channel crossings, even if rounding the Fastnet has its magic. You’ll have to stay sharp the whole way not to get trapped.”
Jules Delpech (P’TIT DUC): “The pressure is building, finally! I was too relaxed. Now I’m focused: first, to get through the coastal section cleanly, then to attack offshore. The course is packed — waypoints, shipping, Traffic Separation Schemes, weather fronts. It’ll be dense and super interesting. A really good change to the format.”
Lola Billy (Région Bretagne – CMB Océane): “We’ve worked all year for this. I can’t wait to put it all into practice. It’s my first Solitaire — so yes, I’m excited but also a little nervous. Four nights at sea, I’ve never done that. But above all, I’m excited to enjoy such a great course.”
Romain Bouillard (Décrochons la lune): “This year I really want to push my limits. Last time I didn’t. You can’t win the race on this leg, but you can definitely lose it. The action will be intense from the start — you need to be right in the game.”
Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL): “We’ve studied the new course closely. The Channel sections will be fascinating — full of opportunities and traps. It’s my backyard, and I hope to make that count.”
Laure Gallais (DMG MORI): “We’ll get everything: calm, heavy weather, upwind, downwind. It won’t be boring! I’m keen to get going, especially after the long build-up ashore. I like rhythm in a course, and I think this one will deliver.”
Tom Goron (Groupe Dubreuil): “I feel so lucky to be here. I’ve got more experience than last year and I think a top 10 is possible. Anything can happen, but I’ve got a quick boat, good sails, and good speed. It’ll be tough with little time to rest — but I love that.”
by La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
