15th February 2011
La Solitaire du Figaro 2011: strong potential line up of 71 pre-entries
With 71 pre-entries, including 24 rookies, an increasing number of
non-French sailors and some big names in offshore racing, La Solitaire du
Figaro Figaro, promises to deliver exceptional racing for the 42nd edition
of the race over the 1,695 mile-course.
The return of past winners
Confident with last year’s victory, including three out of four leg wins,
Armel Le Cléac'h returns to defend his title once more. Following a very
good 2010 season, the French skipper returns with the intent of equaling the
record held by some of his predecessors, Philippe Poupon, Jean Le Cam and
Michel Desjoyeaux, to make it a hat trick by winning the Figaro circuit’s
crowning event. "The Solitaire is an interesting race in sporting terms. 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! " Said Armel Le Cléac'h.
Three winners of previous editions will be at the start: Eric Drouglazet
(winner in 2001), Jérémie Beyou (winner in 2005), and Nicolas Lunven (winner
in 2009). There are many other contenders aiming for the top spot on the
podium, including Gildas Morvan, Thierry Chabagny, Gérald Véniard, and
Frédéric Duthil...Have registered their entry alongside so many other
competition regulars.
Formidable competitors
The indexstays of the Figaro Bénéteau Class, which include other candidates
for the podium, have also registered entry: Eric Péron, Thomas Rouxel,
Laurent Pellecuer, Jeanne Grégoire, Erwan Tabarly,Roindex Attanasio, Nicolas
Berenger, Marc Emig... Jean-Paul Mouren returns to compete on a record 25th
edition.
The young emerging talent will be forces to be reckoned with, Adrien Hardy,
winner of the third leg last year, Fabien Delahaye 1st rookie 2009), Paul
Meilhat, Anthony Marchand (1st rookie 2010), Yoann Richomme ... No matter
how many miles sailed, they know that victory is gained only after crossing
the finish line, and fully intend to apply the lessons learned in their
previous editions.
Record: 24 rookies in the running
This year is also marked by an absolute record number of rookie entries; 24
pre-entries with some impressive CVs, who will present serious competition
for the old hands at the event. Some of the best skippers in the Mini class,
such as 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 Olympic
49er racing and Camille Square from the F18. Each will want to demonstrate
their full potential along each of the 4 legs that lie ahead of them this
Summer.
La Solitaire du Figaro attracts an increasing number of international
competitor's. No less than 5 nationalities will be represented on the event
this summer. From Ireland, Paul O'Riain and Mick Liddy will race at home on
the only foreign leg of the race course (Dún Laoghaire near Dublin). There
will be many English skippers this year: Conrad Humphreys, accustomed to
racing on the most prestigious ocean races, will be participating in his
first Solitaire du Figaro. Nigel King is back for the third time. One rookie
will be selected among the 5 from the Grande Motte Mediterranean Training
Centre: Nick Cherry, Sam Goodchild, Nick Houchin, Olivier Young, Simon
Hiscocks, double World Champion 49er, and Phil Sharp, who won the Route du
Rhum 2006 in Class 40, to step forward to compete on the Figaro. The
Portuguese solo sailor, Francisco Lobato, and the Franco-German Isabelle
Joschke also return to race.
"There will be fierce competition..."
Race director Jacques Caraës considers that, "There will be fierce
competition... on this 42nd edition of La Solitaire du Figaro. Eric Bompard
Cashmere, the new index 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...."
At six months from the start, given the upcoming program and potential of
the candidates, the pressure is already starting to mount. As every year,
the competition looks particularly intense, and the entertainment
captivating - a memorable experience for competitors as well as for those
who will follow this 42nd edition closely.
2011 AGENDA:
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
DÚN 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
Attached: list of entries for 2011
The proposed course presentation of La Solitaire du Figaro 2011 and the list
of pre-entries can be downloaded from the press area on www.lasolitaire.com.
www.lasolitaire.com
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