By Thomas Campion — La Solitaire du Figaro
Stage three of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec has delivered a dramatic twist in the darkness. As the fleet pushed north through Brittany’s southern waters ahead of the intermediate sprint, the race took a sudden turn with the retirement of Tom Dolan. The Irish sailor, who held the overall lead and was among the competition’s strongest contenders, has been forced to withdraw — completely reshuffling the deck with less than 24 hours remaining. His exit has opened the field wide, propelling Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) to the front of the current stage, with Hugo Dhallenne on Skipper Macif 2025 in pursuit. After three legs, the overall standings show Nicolas Lunven and Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean) locked in a straight fight for the final honours. Thomas sits third on the leg but trails Lunven’s PRB boat by just 21 minutes overall. The battle for the remaining podium spots is shaping up between four others: Paul Morvan (Foricher-French Touch), Martin Le Pape (Paprec), Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire), and promising newcomer Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir). All four are still firmly in the hunt. The final day promises to be a cracker.
Back in the Channel
As dawn broke, the Figaro Beneteau 3 fleet discovered a Channel living up to its reputation — grey seas, low cloud, and that persistent dampness that seeps everywhere below deck. After several days of relentless effort, broken sleep, and endless sail changes, the sailors’ bodies are taking a real battering. In these cold, wet conditions, every tactical call weighs heavier. With Brittany’s tip now behind them, the fleet has set course for Hand Deeps, off the English coast. This long crossing marks the entry into the final phase of the leg — though far from the easiest. The forecast suggests conditions will steadily toughen, with stronger winds and a more established sea state on the cards. The solo sailors can expect several more gruelling hours ahead. At this point in the race, a single mistake could cost several places, while a smart call could reshape the overall standings entirely. With Dolan’s withdrawal and Berrehar’s resurgence, this final leg is wide open as never before. The next few hours could well decide who takes out La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026 and settle the podium positions once and for all.
Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.
