17 Apr Tom Dolan: “Making the right choices without overdoing it”
Just hours before the start of the 3rd edition of the Banque Populaire Grand Ouest Trophy, Tom Dolan is preparing to dive back into what he loves most, a demanding, challenging, and unpredictable race. Partnered with Gildas Mahé the Kingspan team will set off at 3pm (2pm Irish Time) on Saturday 18th from the Baie de la Forêt.
“The first part is going to be really important,” Dolan warns. On a course marked by strong currents and key strategic passages, watching overtakes is going to be very important. “We can’t afford to fall too far behind. The challenge will be to aim for the leading group around the Minquiers, in the Channel Islands.” A pivotal area, where trajectories could already diverge and establish an initial leaderboard.
Dolan remarks even though he has the benefit of not sailing singlehanded, it will still be a tricky race to get right. “It won’t be a leisurely regatta, we will need to be on the ball right from the start as the fleet will expand and compress regularly. The slightest decision can reshuffle the cards…”
“The start of this race almost looks deceptive. We’ll be setting off with sunshine in the bay, it’s going to be rather calm,” Smiled Dolan. “But very quickly, the pace will intensify, especially upwind with a series of maneuvers as sailing among the rocks is always interesting… but lucky for me Gildas has the brain for that stuff”
And then comes the end of the race presenting more unknowns. With unstable stormy conditions predicted for later in the week, nothing will be set in stone before the finish line. But Tom’s objective for this race is clear: to stay in contention from start to finish. Between demanding races, reading the water, and adaptability, the Dolan-Mahé duo knows what to expect… and fully intends to be a force to be reckoned with.
