There’s a hint of an Irish lilt echoing along the docks of northern France, carrying with it a quiet but unmistakable sense of excitement. Tom Dolan, reigning champion of the Solitaire du Figaro, is about to experience a major first: his debut race in the IMOCA class. And it’s no...
“Halfway through the season, and it already feels like a lifetime of stories. The races, the pressure, the learning curves — and the high of defending my title. I’ve never felt more driven, or more grateful to everyone standing behind this journey. Let’s keep going — there’s still a lot...
Tom Dolan, skipper of Kingspan, was forced to retire from the Solo Maître CoQ Series following an unfortunate incident during the first inshore race held yesterday in Les Sables d’Olonne. Competing with high hopes in this Figaro Academy event, the Irish sailor was struck in the left eye by a rope that whipped back...
Starting Tuesday, May 6, Tom Dolan, skipper of Kingspan, will be on the start line of the first race of the 22nd edition of the Solo Maître CoQ in Les Sables d’Olonne. Part of the official Figaro Academy program, this prestigious event brings together 19 solo sailors for five days...
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,...
Between two legs of the 2025 French Offshore Racing Championship, some of the Figaro Beneteau Elite Sailors are stopping off this weekend in La Trinité-sur-Mer to race the Trophée Laura Vergne. Though not counted towards the season’s French Offshore Racing Championship rankings, this double-handed event remains a favourite among skippers. For Tom...
Even before leaving the dock in Concarneau, Tom Dolan had set the tone: he wanted to enjoy sailing “at home,” validate the hard work done over the winter, and above all, take pleasure racing. Mission accomplished for the Irish skipper of Kingspan, who launched his 2025 season with intensity and enthusiasm....
The 49th edition of the Solo Guy Cotten sets sail this Monday, March 24th, from Concarneau. Nearly 40 Figaro Bénéteau 3 are expected to participate in the 2025 French Elite Offshore Racing Championship —one the ultimate test for offshore sailing. The Solo Guy Cotten series, which is part of 2025 French Elite Offshore Racing...
Tom Dolan, the winner of the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, received the Irish Sailing “Sailor of the Year” award yesterday at the Irish Sailing awards event in Dublin. Tom also announced his 2028 Vendee Globe Campaign. ©INPHO/Andrew Conan A New Milestone in an Exceptional Career Irish solo sailor Tom Dolan has been...
In 2024, Tom Dolan made history by securing victory in the 55th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, becoming the first Irishman to have his name etched on the trophy. “It’s a huge achievement for me. When I arrived in France twelve years ago, I dreamed of being a ‘préparateur’...
