By Thomas Howson — La Solitaire du Figaro
Nine years after his last crack at La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, Nicolas Lunven has announced himself back on the circuit in emphatic style. The PRB skipper crossed the line fourth in the final leg from Pornichet to Le Havre to claim his third Solitaire victory—a stunning return that cements his status as one of the race’s all-time greats.
Lunven, who’d previously won the race in 2009 and 2017, came back without fanfare but with the kind of experience only a top-level ocean racer possesses. He played a patient game throughout, staying in touch with the leaders before making his move when it counted. At 42, he’s now part of an exclusive club: the triple winners of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.
“This edition was one of the toughest in years,” competitors said afterwards—and Lunven’s triumph was a masterclass in reading conditions and managing the numerous hazards of the course. He finished with a commanding margin, ahead of Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean) in second place and Paul Morvan (Foricher-French Touch) in third. Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir), the leading rookie, rounded out the top four.
A thrilling final stage
The deciding leg delivered drama in spades. Tom Dolan (Kingspan), who’d held the overall lead heading into this final act, was forced to retire—a shock that reshuffled the entire deck behind him. Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) grabbed the initiative, but the racing remained razor-tight as crews battled through gruelling conditions between Brittany and the Channel.
Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif 2025) showed his hand along the DST, reminding the fleet he’s a genuine contender. But it was Morvan who seized the day, taking the stage win in style and finally getting across the line first after a string of near-misses.
The final miles into Le Havre were brutal—a proper scrap for both the stage and the overall classification. In the end, it was experience and dogged determination that won the day. Alexis Thomas earned a well-deserved second place overall with a classy sixth-place finish on the final leg, 24 minutes and 44 seconds adrift of Lunven. The top three—Lunven, Thomas, and Morvan—represent everything the Solitaire stands for: grit, nous, and sheer sailing smarts.
Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.
