By Thomas Campion — La Solitaire du Figaro
With windier conditions moving in, the experienced hands are showing their mettle. Tom Dolan on Kingspan continues to lead the charge, averaging 7.5 knots off Île d’Yeu. He’s got Loïs Berrehar on Banque Populaire close behind this morning, but it’s Martin Le Pape on Paprec who’s turning heads with an impressive climb back into contention. The fleet has shifted into a new phase as the conditions bite harder. Under thunderstorms and squalls, the boats are making good progress on the wind towards the north-west. The front-runners are currently south of Noirmoutier with Belle-Île in their sights. The call of the day is caution tempered with smart sailing. During the night, American sailor Erica Lush on Hope reported her withdrawal to Race Control after tearing her mainsail. Unable to carry out repairs, she’s been forced to throw in the towel. But this return to windier conditions is just the appetiser. As the hours tick by, everyone’s going to cop stronger wind and rising seas. Life on deck will get progressively grimmer—comfort becomes a luxury as moisture, cold, and relentless waves take over. Yet victory is only sweet when won through adversity, and on this final leg, the provisional standings are just as dramatic as the weather. The next compulsory waypoint at Occidentale de Sein will be the first real judge of form, with the last intermediate sprint on offer there. Race Director Yann Château gives us his take on a lively night from out on the water: “Hello everyone, a night that’s setting the tone for day two of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026. After a fairly benign passage of the BXA mark yesterday, the fleet worked a long port-tack reach towards the Breton peninsula while waiting for a front to come through overnight. The wind built steadily and the sea state followed suit. By 10 or 11 pm last night we had some proper conditions, and then a solid front passage came through at 5 am with heavy rain, 35 knots, and a 30-degree wind shift to the right that caused a few breakages and really spread the fleet out. The sailors should arrive at Occidentale de Sein tonight for a Channel crossing towards the English coast and a rapid run down to Le Havre, with an ETA sometime Wednesday into Thursday night.” Once the sailors get their chance to bear away and crack sheets open, the speed numbers will start flying and the waves will offer endless rides. Finding that sweet spot to keep the boat motoring without destroying the rig will be the trick. Right now, it’s all about patience and grit. Fair winds to all!
Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.
