Erica Lush completes Solo Guy Cotten race - first qualifier for Solitaire du Figaro
by Mark LeBeau 1 Apr 09:11 BST
22-29 March 2025
Erica Lush completes Solo Guy Cotten race © Gilles Dedeurwaerder
Rhode Island sailor Erica Lush completed her first qualifying race for the Solitaire du Figaro this week after competing in the Solo Guy Cotten Regatta. Aboard her vessel Hope, Lush completed the regatta's offshore course with a time of one day 22 hours three minutes and four seconds.
Lush now sets her sights on early May's Solo Maître CoQ in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, where she hopes to lock in her qualification for the Solitaire.
"I'm very happy with the effort I put in this week," said Lush. "I am deeply proud to represent the United States and Rhode Island in this campaign and am looking forward to the next chance to qualify for the Solitaire. This is just the first step, and I am ready to keep going in the preparations for September."
Assisting Lush ashore in the Solo Guy Cotten was fellow Rhode Islander Aurora "Rory" Meunier Mott. As part of her mission to create more pathways for American women into the top levels of offshore racing, Lush welcomed Meunier Mott onto her team to provide first hand experience and insight into the world of offshore sailing. Meunier Mott is a graduate of Rhode Island's Prout School and a member of the University of Rhode Island's sailing team.
Lush selected the name Hope for her vessel as a nod to the state motto of Rhode Island, as well as a reminder that tackling any challenge begins with a foundation of hope.
Lush will now spend the coming months continuing to prepare for September's Solitaire and building her team of sponsors and supporters.
More information about Erica and her journey can be found at LushSailing.com