Tom Dolan's Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2024 special

Solitaire du Figaro Paprec course © Solitaire du Figaro

Tom Dolan © Tom Dolan

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

A fine course in line with the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec's DNA

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)