17 Apr Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé win the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy
Consistent and steady from start to finish, Tom Dolan and Gildas Mahé claimed victory at the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy this Wednesday in La Trinité-sur-Mer.
Across six races held in challenging and ever-changing conditions, the Kingspan duo delivered an impressive performance, securing two race wins and four second-place finishes. With unwavering consistency, they topped the overall leaderboard with determination, prevailing in a tightly contested battle against Édouard Golbery and Gaston Morvan.
“Winning always feels great!” smiled Tom Dolan. “There was a real fight with Édouard and Gaston — it definitely wasn’t handed to us. The weather conditions were super tricky and changeable, especially today, with heavy squalls and wind ranging anywhere from 5 to 40 knots, under some wild clouds!”
Navigating in constantly shifting conditions, Dolan and Mahé kept it simple and effective:
“We focused on doing the basics well – tracking the shifts, staying alert. We had good starts and clean manoeuvres. My arms are sore, but for the right reasons!”
Already winners of the Spi Ouest-France in 2023, the two friends found that same winning synergy once again in La Trinité.
“Staying consistent was the goal – and we didn’t finish less than 2nd position in any race. We do regret a small mistake during the 24-hour offshore leg that gave Édouard and Gaston a bit of a lead, but overall, we’re happy with how we sailed – clean and solid.”
Victory, and no time to rest
This win is part of a high-paced, focused start to the season for Tom Dolan, who continues to show determination , intensity, and a hunger to improve. No time to slow down – as of tomorrow, he’s back on the water for a training session with sailing legends Franck Cammas and Sébastien Col, as well as rising talent Eliaz Morineau.
A fast-track preparation before lining up on Friday for the 47th Spi Ouest-France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest, also in Quiberon Bay.
“The pace is intense, but I love it. More contact racing, more tactical experience – I’m learning so much,” says the ever-enthusiastic Irish sailor.
With consistency, ambition, and non-stop progress, Tom Dolan continues to ride a strong and inspiring wave this season.
