By romancrance3 — La Solitaire du Figaro
The English Channel is showing its teeth today to the fleet competing in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. After several gruelling days of intense racing, the sailors are grinding their way toward the finish in demanding conditions – relentless humidity, stiff wind, and constant pressure on the overall standings. With the verdict just hours away, it’s far from decided.
@Thomas Campion
After rounding the tip of Brittany, the fleet has entered the final phase of this crucial third leg. This morning’s conditions matched the stakes: leaden skies, salt-laden air, and a lumpy sea state. Since then, brief patches of sun have accompanied the competitors as they push east across the Channel toward Le Havre, where the 2026 edition’s champion will be crowned. The tension in the overall standings shows no sign of easing.
The night has only intensified the gripping battle that’s defined this 2026 edition. Despite hundreds of miles already logged since the start, the gaps remain tight enough to keep the general classification genuinely up for grabs. With every boat aware that a single tactical error could cost several positions, racing in this fast and technical stretch of water demands precision at every mark, especially as maritime traffic zones loom.
Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) is keeping up the pressure and was first to round the Hands Deep mark just off Plymouth. Behind him, Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif 2025) is matching his pace and hoping a podium finish will restore his credentials. But the real story is further back. Third at the turning mark, Nicolas Lunven (PRB) looks to have clear air to take the win at Le Havre. His most dangerous rival, Alexis Thomas, is already pushed back to seventh place, 6.9 miles adrift. The two skippers are separated by just 20 minutes on the overall standings – in Lunven’s favour.
Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean), Paul Morvan (Foricher – French Touch), Martin Le Pape (Paprec), and Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir) are the outside chances who could muscle their way onto the podium – unless Loïs Berrehar delivers a late ambush. The Banque Populaire skipper sits 1 hour 47 minutes behind Lunven overall.
@Thomas Campion
An edition defined by cruel twists of fate
This final leg will also be remembered for the retirements that have punctuated the race. The biggest story came when Tom Dolan (Kingspan) threw in the towel. The Irish skipper had been leading the leg and was genuinely in contention for overall victory, but his hopes went up in smoke after running aground on the Île de Sein. A helicopter evacuation operation was required, abruptly bringing an end to what had been a strong campaign.
Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.
