Record numbers for a record course

54 competitors including five women to race in this years' Suzuki-based Solitaire du Figaro

The scene is set for the 39th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro: 54 competitors, five women and 13 rookies, three legs, 1880 nautical miles of racing. From La Rochelle to Vigo in Spain, then on to Cherbourg-Octeville and with a finish in l’Aber Wrac’h via the Isle of Man, the 2008 Solitaire fleet will show off its talent on a race course carefully planned by Race Director Jacques Caraës.

This year’s La Solitaire has attracted numerous talented and experienced sailors as well as plenty of newcomers, all of them dreaming of winning the legendary race. Record participation numbers are expected with 54 competitors currently registered. Above all, it is the number of first timers or rookies that is exceptional. With the longest leg in the history of the race (825 nautical miles) equating to almost six nights at sea, the 39th edition will be very special.

“Once again we have a really impressive entry list for this 39th La Solitaire and we have almost reached our limit of competitors!" says Caraës. "13 rookies qualified this spring. This race shows that new names and new talent are continually attracted to La Solitaire”.

While more Figaro first timers are sailing, the bulk of the fleet remain the Figaro vetrans. They include - Gildas Morvan, Eric Drouglazet (winner in 2001), Nicolas Bérenger, Armel Tripon, Nicolas Troussel (winner in 2006), Gérald Véniard, Thierry Chabagny and Laurent Pellecuer - all of them potential podium placers! “As for the veterans like Jean-Paul Mouren and Bertrand de Broc, they will not be phased by the length of the third leg and could even be the first ones to finish in L’Aber Wrac’h”, continues Jacques Caraës.

Last year’s victorious 'young wolves' return again. They include: Nicolas Lunven, 1st rookie in 2007, Frédéric Duthil, 2nd overall, winner of the Prologue and of two legs, and Corentin Douguet, 3rd overall. “Without forgetting Gildas Mahé, Thomas Rouxel, Ronan Treussart and Christopher Pratt who will keep the competition on their toes,” adds the race director.

Three more woman skippers will join Jeanne Grégoire and Liz Wardley this year; a record five woman on the start line. Grégoire and Wardley have already proved on many occasions that they are forces to be reckoned with. Their three adversaries are former Pindar girl Alexia Barrier, 2007 Mini Transat favourite Isabelle Joschke and match racer Elodie Riou combined have clocked up an impressive number of miles and each is taking part in their first Figaro this year.

Of the 13 first timers, among them are several known faces such as Sopra crewman Grégory Gendron, Mini sailor Adrien Hardy and François Gabart - both young talents emerging from the Mini 6.50 Class.

And then of course there are the enthusiastic amateurs, fulfilling a dream over a summer such as Jean-Philippe Le Meitour, Didier Bouillard, Philippe Bard and Fabrice Amedeo.

Of the competitors 49 are French, with six other nationalities competing: the Franco-German Isabelle Joschke, the Italian Pietro D’Ali, the UK is represented by Andy Greenwood, Antonio Pedro Da Cruz from the Cape Verde Islands and Liz Wardley from Papua New-Guinea.

Competition dates

La Rochelle
Suzuki Prologue: 23 July
Start of the 1st leg: 25 July

Vigo
Expected finish of 1st leg: 28 July
Start of the 2nd leg: 31 July

Cherbourg-Octeville Expected finish of the 2nd leg: 4 August
Start of the 3rd leg: 8 August

L'Aber-Wrac'h
Expected finish of the 4th leg: 14 August
Closing parade: 17 August