TOM HEADS OFF ON HIS SEVENTH SOLITAIRE
In a little less than a week, the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2024 competitors will set sail and I’ve never been in such a good headspace before a Solitaire!
My primary goal this year: to enjoy myself.
This mindset comes from having spent a lot of time in Ireland over the past year and that’s given me a sense of perspective about just how far I’ve come to get where I am today, as I prepare to take the start of this legendary race for the 7th time.
I’m convinced that having fun leads to a good performance. That is what I’ve been centring my efforts on since the start of the season and the results have been positive. I also have a fantastic team around me, with Gildas Mahé helping me with the boat and weather preparation; plus I have a very quick boat so it’s going to be fun!
- Tom Dolan
Skipper of the boat Smurfit Kappa - Kingspan
This year the course spans 1,840 nautical miles:
- A first 615-mile leg between Rouen (Seine-Maritime / France) and Gijón (Spain)
- A second 605-mile leg with another passage across the Bay of Biscay bound for Royan (Charente-Maritime / France)
- A third and final 620-mile leg bound for La Turballe (Loire-Atlantique / France)
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
- Sunday 25 August 3 pm – START OF LEG 1 - Le Havre
- Thursday 29 August – First arrivals in Gijón
- Sunday 1 September 2 pm – START OF LEG 2 - Gijón
- Thursday 5 September – First arrivals in Royan
- Sunday 8 September 2 pm – START OF LEG 3 - Royan
- Thursday 12 September – First arrivals in La Turballe
Saturday 14 September 2 pm – Prize-giving in La Turballe