Solitaire du Figaro: Dolan Embarks on 615-Mile Challenge

Ireland's sole competitor in the 55th Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, Tom Dolan, is set to take on the first leg of the prestigious race this Sunday at 3pm. The 615-mile leg, starting in Le Havre and concluding in Gijón, will see Dolan and 36 other sailors navigate a challenging course that includes the treacherous Wolf Rock lighthouse off the south-west coast of England.

"The initial part of the race is pretty straightforward," commented Dolan, skipper of the Smurfit Kappa – Kingspan, shortly before leaving Le Havre. "We'll be exiting the English Channel, battling against the wind and currents. It's going to be a bumpy ride, so we'll be getting straight into the action."

Dolan, known for his resilience in tough conditions and resistance to seasickness, expects the first leg to be a demanding test of endurance. "We'll be starting off with a good old all-nighter," he explained. "However, this section of the race won't see big gaps opening up in the fleet. That will happen further down the track. In the Bay of Biscay, I'm expecting the fleet to split apart in every direction," he added, highlighting the uncertainty that lies ahead.

The Bay of Biscay is notorious for its unpredictable weather, and Dolan anticipates a complex challenge. A stalled cold front and a high-pressure ridge are predicted to create a volatile mix of conditions. "We'll need to be on our toes, keeping our wits about us and constantly evaluating the evolving weather patterns," Dolan commented, displaying his characteristic calm confidence. "I'm feeling good and excited that the race will really open up on this first leg."

Based on current routing, Dolan is expected to reach the finish line in Spain on Thursday afternoon, completing the leg in just four days. As the race progresses, the attention will shift to the Bay of Biscay, where Dolan's ability to navigate the unpredictable conditions and maintain his competitive edge will be crucial to his overall success.