By Thomas Howson — La Solitaire du Figaro
In two days’ time, 36 sailors – men and women – will line up for the start of the 57th Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. For this 2027 edition, there’s a notable shift with the race kicking off much earlier in the season. Down at the docks in Perros-Guirec, everyone’s itching to cast off and throw everything at the opening leg to Vigo in Spain. While plenty of familiar faces have signed on for this grand classic again, there’s a solid crop of first-timers having a go, and several seasoned campaigners are making their comeback. This exceptional fleet promises some brilliant racing across the three legs of a course where legends are made. ©Vincent Olivaud
Whether they’re young guns, even very young, or more experienced hands, they form the backbone of this 2027 fleet. But facing them down are four formidable contenders who’ve decided to have another crack at it: Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire), Adrien Hardy (Sans Nature, pas de futur !), Nicolas Lunven (PRB) and Martin le Pape (Paprec), who was drafted in at the last minute to replace Yoann Richomme.
The comeback crew – solid experience
The fleet is definitely bolstered by some proper pedigree. These four sailors have racked up 38 Solitaire starts between them. Only Nicolas Lunven has tasted victory – and not just once, but twice, winning in 2009 and 2017. Back in 2007, he picked up the first-timer’s prize on his debut. “The timing was spot-on for my return,” Lunven said. “I haven’t sailed the Figaro Beneteau 3 before. It’s quite different from the Figaro 2 I won on. But I’ve stayed close to the class – it’s a circuit I really love. I’m back to enjoy myself and do my best.”
Coming in as a last-minute replacement, Martin le Pape is taking it in his stride. “My situation’s a bit unusual. I’m gutted for Yoann – he’s had to pull out for medical reasons – but he simply can’t do it. Paprec backing me like this is a real vote of confidence. I’m going to give it everything to do them proud. A Solitaire needs proper prep, and I’m coming into this fairly rushed. We’ll see how it goes – I’ve no particular pressure on myself except what I’ll put on myself to do the best job possible,” le Pape said.
It’s not an easy situation for this talented skipper who’s had minimal time on the Figaro lately. He’ll need to get his instincts back quick, but the long offshore bash across the Bay of Biscay will be just the ticket to rediscover his feel for the boat.
Loïs Berrehar is a serious operator who came agonisingly close to the top spot in 2024. With two stage wins and second overall, there’s no doubt the Morbihan sailor’s keen to grab what’s been missing. After a year sailing other boats, the experience he’s banked across thousands of miles should push him even further this time around.
Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.
