Strong line-up for La Solitaire

Including three British teams and two Irish

With 67 pre-entries, including 20 rookies, an increasing number of non-French sailors and some big names in offshore racing, the 42nd La Solitaire du Figaro Figaro promises to deliver exceptional racing over its 1695 mile course.
 
Confident following last year’s victory, when he won three of the four legs, Armel Le Cléac'h returns to defend his title once more. After a very good 2010 season, the French skipper hopes to equal the record held by Philippe Poupon, Jean le Cam and Michel Desjoyeaux, who are the only ones in the event's history to scored a hat trick of wins. "The Solitaire is an interesting race in sporting terms," says Armel Le Cléac'h. "To date, there are two of us who could make the hat trick in 2010, Nico (Troussel) and myself. If I am at the start this year, my goal is to do as well as in 2010!"
 
Three other previous winners will be taking part: Eric Drouglazet (2001), Jérémie Beyou (2005), and Nicolas Lunven (2009). But there are many many other contenders aiming for the top spot on the podium, including Gildas Morvan, Thierry Chabagny, Gérald Véniard, and Frédéric Duthil...while other other potential podium places include Eric Péron, Thomas Rouxel, Laurent Pellecuer, Jeanne Grégoire, Erwan Tabarly,Romain Attanasio, Nicolas Berenger, Marc Emig... Jean-Paul Mouren returns to compete on a record 25th edition.
 
The young emerging talent will set to be a force to be reckoned with, Adrien Hardy, winner of the third leg last year, Fabien Delahaye (first rookie 2009), Paul Meilhat, Anthony Marchand (first rookie 2010), Yoann Richomme ...

The 20 Solitaire first timers come with some impressive CVs, to present serious competition for the old hands at the event. Some of the best skippers in the Mini class - Xavier Macaire, Charlie Dalin, David Sineau and Luce Molinier - will compete for the first time in La Solitaire du Figaro. Other very promising young skippers are also on the list, such as Alexis Littoz-Baritel, 2008 Match Racing French Champion, Morgan Lagravière with a background in the Olympic 49er and Camille Square from the F18.
 
La Solitaire du Figaro this year is also attracting an increasing number of international competitor's with five nationalities represented.

From Ireland, Paul O'Riain and Mick Liddy will be racing on home waters when the fleet reaches Dún Laoghaire. There will be three English skippers this year: Vendee Globe skipper Conrad Humphreys, sailing his first Solitaire while Nigel King is back for the third time. One rookie will be selected among the 5 from the Artemis Offshore Academy from Nick Cherry, Sam Goodchild, Nick Houchin, Olivier Young, 49er silver medallist Simon Hiscocks, , Phil Sharp, who won the Route du Rhum 2006 in the Class 40. The Portuguese solo sailor, Francisco Lobato, and the Franco-German Isabelle Joschke also return to race.

Race Director Jacques Caraës said: "There will be fierce competition... on this 42nd edition of La Solitaire du Figaro. Eric Bompard Cashmere, the new main partner, could not hope for a more impressive line-up of skippers: four former winners of the event will be competing, two dozen contenders for podium places, 24 rookies, a sign of prosperity in this great classic of the summer season, especially with strong participation of foreign entries. Five nations will be represented, including the particularly competitive British-American. They will certainly have to reckon with the talented Portuguese Francisco Lobato, strengthened with the experience gained last season. There will be fierce competition...."
 
2011 schedule:
 
Perros Guirec

Village opens: Saturday 23rd July
Eric Bompard prologue: Friday 29th July
Start of the 1st leg: Sunday 31st July
 
Caen (320 miles)
Expected arrival of the boats: Tuesday 2nd August
Start of the 2nd leg: Sunday 7th August
 
Dun Laoghaire (470 miles)
Expected arrival of the boats: Wednesday 10th August
Start of the 3rd leg: Sunday 14th August
 
Les Sables d'Olonne (475 miles)
Expected arrival of the boats: Wednesday 17th August
Start of the 4th leg: Sunday 21st August
 
Dieppe (430 miles)
Expected arrival of the boats: Wednesday 24th August
Closing regatta: Sunday 28th August

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