02 Sep Tom Dolan Embarks on a New Challenge: Defending His Solitaire du Figaro Title
Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan is set to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career this Sunday, 7th September, defending his historic victory in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro, widely regarded as the “World Cup” of solo offshore sailing.
Last year, Dolan made history by becoming the first non-French sailor to win the prestigious race and the first Irish sailor to claim the coveted trophy. Now, as the 2025 edition of the three-leg race kicks off in Rouen, all eyes are on him as he prepares to go head-to-head with the figaro fleet.
The 2025 Solitaire du Figaro will see the fleet round Ireland’s iconic Fastnet Rock on Leg 1, before making two stops en route to the finish line in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France.
Despite his landmark win in 2024, Dolan has approached this season with humility;
“I went back to basics this year,” Dolan explains. “Winning last year doesn’t guarantee anything, so I focused on small, incremental improvements, trying to gain percentages wherever I could in my boats set up”
Rather than focusing on results, Dolan says he’s committed to staying grounded and present throughout the challenge:
“I try not to dwell on the past or look too far ahead. No one has won the 2025 Solitaire du Figaro yet, so my focus is on the present, building on what worked last season and improving where I can. I’m not chasing the result right now; I just respect the process and concentrate on what I can do each day to get better, whether that’s applying what I learned training with Charal or working on my own personal development.”
A detail that sums up Dolan’s mental approach is a message written on board his boat. While many competitors carry the reminder “attache-toi”, a safety cue meaning “clip in” , Dolan’s reads “détache-toi”.
“It’s my way of reminding myself to detach from the outcome of the race and stay focused on executing the current plan. Helping me stay mentally clear and committed to the moment, especially during the more mentally demanding stretches of the race.”
Now preparing for his eighth Solitaire du Figaro, Dolan brings a unique combination of experience, humility, and hunger. With one win already under his belt, his 2025 campaign promises to be an exciting watch for sailing fans around the world.
