20 Jun From Victory to Vision – Tom Dolan’s 2025 So Far
“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 of ocean left to explore.” – Tom Dolan
Six Months, Countless Miles
Tom kicked off 2025 with a strong, varied schedule — combining solo races, double-handed challenges, and a standout crewed performance.
- Solo Guy Cotten (solo) – 7th place
- Trophée Laura Vergne (duo with Gildas Mahé) – 🥇1st place
- Spi Ouest France (crewed, with Eliaz Morineau, Franck Cammas & Sébastien Col) – 🥇1st place
- Solo Maître CoQ – 3rd after Day 1, then retired due to an eye injury
A season built on speed, control, and sharp execution — all setting the stage for what came next.
A Month of Honours
February 2025 was a milestone month for Tom — four awards in just over two weeks!
Among these recognitions, one stood out above all:
🏅 Irish Sailor of the Year, awarded for the second time in his career — a rare distinction that reflects not just a standout season.
Here’s the full roll of honour from the month:
- Feb 15 – Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Award, recognising his victory in the 2024 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
- Feb 21 – Medal of the City of Concarneau – a touching tribute from the town where Tom lives and trains
- Feb 22 – National Yacht Club (NYC) Boyne Regatta Cup, awarded for the best offshore performance of the year, in recognition of his victory in La Solitaire du Figaro
Each award is a reflection of the impact Tom continues to make — both in Ireland and France — as an athlete, ambassador, and symbol of what’s possible through persistence and passion.
What’s Next: The Upcoming Campaigns
As summer unfolds, Tom’s race calendar only intensifies. Here’s what’s coming up:
🔸 Coming up: the Course des Caps (June 29)
This summer, Tom will sail his first-ever IMOCA race around the British Isles as part of Team Charal, led by three-time Figaro winner Jérémie Beyou.
A new challenge, a new format — and a meaningful step forward in his progression.
🔹 Next on the Figaro schedule
- Figarmor (August 4–7) – Competitive solo inshore racing
- La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025 (September 7–27) – The ultimate showdown
Eyes on the Double – The Figaro Awaits
After his historic win in 2024, Tom is gearing up for a high-stakes return to La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec this September.
His goal? Win it again.
Why it matters:
- A second victory would place him among an elite circle of double Figaro winners.
- He remains the first and only Irish sailor to have won the race.
- The entire season so far has been built to peak at this moment.
It won’t be easy — but the determination is intact.
Image credit: Gilles Dedeurwaerder
