Listen & read
Thirty-six sailors launch into the decisive leg of the 2026 La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec from Pornichet, igniting a thrilling contest. This opening stage sets the tone for a battle that could define the season.
As the clock strikes 7:00 p.m., competitors embark under optimal conditions. Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean) takes an early lead, rounding the buoy first and claiming the Paprec Trophy, followed closely by Nicolas Lunven (PRB) and Tom Goron (Xplorassur). A brisk 12-knot westerly wind propels the fleet southward toward the BXA safe-water mark, off the Gironde estuary.
Sailors are poised for a manageable initial stretch before facing an impending weather front that threatens to complicate their journey. With the intensity of two previous stages weighing heavily, fatigue sets in as skippers must rely on their physical and mental strength for this crucial showdown.
While each sailor focuses on their race, the competitive landscape looms large as they monitor rivals' AIS tracks. The stakes are high in this 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, as these elite athletes strive not just for victory, but to etch their names in maritime history. For real-time updates on their progress, check the race tracker at www.lasolitaire.com/cartographie.
Comments (0)