Having dreams and goals is one thing, but being bold and taking risks in order to fulfil your ambitions is something else entirely. Tom Dolan is someone who isn’t afraid to venture out of his comfort zone, instead resolutely tackling new situations head on, developing new skills and broadening his horizons. In short, he’s someone who is able to utterly transform his career path.

Nothing is mapped out for him in this journey through life however. He grew up on a farm in Ireland, a country where sailing remains an elitist sport, but he never strayed from the path in his bid for success. As such, following a period of training at Les Glénans sailing school in Baltimore, he took the plunge and moved to France where offshore racing seemed more accessible to him. After a promising start on the Mini 6.50 circuit, 2018 saw him reach another milestone by signing up for the Figaro Beneteau circuit. It was a mighty challenge but the so-called ‘Flying Irishman’ continued to carve out his wake, more determined than ever to achieve his goal.

Concentrating on technical mastery, physical skills and mental preparation, he honed each of the key factors of performance and slowly but surely raised his game. Gradually coming into his own, he was able to give his talent free rein. In 2024, for the 55th edition of the famous Solitaire du Figaro, his 7th participation, he triumphed to become the first Irishman and the third overseas sailor to secure victory in the event after Joan de Kat in 1970 and Laurent Bourgnon in 1988. In so doing, he has proven that the secret of success is essentially a state of mind!