La Solitaire du Figaro: A revolution at the Figaro – a dramatic change of class!

A revival through a radical change of class? This was the guiding principle behind the decision taken by the organisers of the French classic, La Solitaire du Figaro, following a process of analysis lasting several months. The event organiser, OC Sports, announced today that from 2028 the race will be contested on Ocean Fifty-class trimarans. In just two years’ time, the approximately 15-metre-long trimarans are set to replace the currently active, approximately ten-metre-long monohull foilers of the Figaro Bénéteau 3 type.

La Solitaire du Figaro: A cultural shift in France’s classic race

According to their own statements, the organisers took this revolutionary decision against the backdrop of falling spectator numbers. This drastic change in class is tantamount to a cultural break, as since the early 1990s the Figaro, with its one-design boats, has been synonymous with high-calibre solo sailing on a level playing field, and has been regarded as a renowned training ground and proving ground for offshore experts.

Many renowned solo sailors have cut their teeth in the Figaro class, attracting attention with outstanding performances. They subsequently made the leap to top classes such as IMOCA or Ultim. Among them were, and still are, famous figures such as ‘Gitana’ skipper Charles Caudrelier, the multi-talented Franck Cammas, and Vendée Globe winners such as François Gabart, Armel Le Cléac’h and the outstanding Charlie Dalin, who passed away this year.

La Solitaire du Figaro helped shape, hone and advance all of them – and so many other talented riders – early on in their careers. The 57th edition took place in early June this year Boris Herrmann’s former navigator, Nico Lunven, has won. Following his victories in the Figaro race in 2009 and 2017, and after a nine-year break, Lunven had once again demonstrated his great skill with this phenomenal comeback.

The change of class strikes many ‘Figaro’ enthusiasts to the core

The change of class announced for 2028 is set to send shockwaves through the world of offshore sailing. The switch from monohulls to multihulls comes more than half a century after the race was founded in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault – at that time under the name ‘Course de l’Aurore’.

​In France, every aspiring or established offshore racing sailor is familiar with La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. The race is regarded as a launching pad for future offshore sailing stars, the ultimate test for solo sailors, and a stepping stone to the Class40, the IMOCs or the Ultims. For more than half a century, the race has been a key benchmark for French offshore regattas. Success here often opens other doors for competitors.

Now, Groupe Figaro – which has owned the race since 1980 – and OC Sport Pen Duick – the organiser since 2011 – have decided to change the boat. And this decision has struck a nerve with many prospective and active Figaro sailors. The leap from the monohull to the multihull class is a huge one. This applies both in practical terms and financially.

A sharp rise in participation costs due to the changeover

Alongside and following on from the classic Mini entry-level class, the Figaro class is regarded as an important step up for sailors. Until now, a campaign for La Solitaire du Figaro has been feasible for between 50,000 and 70,000 euros a year, run on a shoestring budget and with a borrowed boat. Those wishing to take part in the race with a new boat and a top-level campaign could also end up spending as much as 200,000 euros a year.

From 2028, however, participants in the Solitaire du Figaro will have to reckon with Ocean Fifties costing between one and three million euros a year. This means the race will change significantly, not only in terms of the choice of boat, but also with regard to its potential participants. “The costs will skyrocket,” says Mini sailor Hendrik Lenz, who had been considering entering the Figaro class but is now taking a wait-and-see approach.

"My certainty that I want to take part is now less certain. But perhaps a new organiser will come forward to carry on the Figaro class." Hendrik Lenz

Lenz, like many affected French Figaro sailors, points out that with the switch from monohull foiling boats to large trimarans, “the progression from the Mini upwards” is lost. That would leave the Class40, which, however, also requires annual budgets of around 300,000 euros or more.

Previous German entrants in La Solitaire du Figaro, which is also regarded as the unofficial world championship for sailors in the Figaro Bénéteau 3 class, were Jörg Riechers from Hamburg and Sanni Beucke from Kiel. The 49erFX Olympic silver medallist from Enoshima had deliberately chosen the demanding Figaro class for the purpose of training in offshore sailing.

Greater appeal to the public and the media for La Solitaire du Figaro

Commenting on the groundbreaking change of direction they have now announced, the publishers say they want to “provide *Le Figaro* with the means to carry on its legacy whilst preserving the core principles that have shaped its identity since its foundation”. The focus is on media appeal and delivering the most thrilling action possible in the regions visited by the race each year.

A key factor behind the radical change – as the organisers’ announcement on 17 July made clear – is the preservation and enhancement of the race as a major public and media event, which attracts large crowds to the host ports every year and reaches a wide audience through leading media channels.

The organisers’ reasoning: “La Solitaire du Figaro must therefore continue to adapt in order to meet these new expectations, to captivate the public, to create added value for the host venues, to enhance its appeal to partners and to expand its media reach. Only in this way will it be able to continue to fulfil its role as a cornerstone of French offshore sailing.” The character of the multi-leg single-handed regatta is also to be retained with the Ocean Fifties.

The farewell gala is coming in 2027

Whilst there is some resistance within the Figaro Bénéteau 3 class – which is soon to be discontinued – and criticism is pouring in on social media, there are also initial ideas about possibly launching a new race series featuring the monohull foilers. Until then, the prospect of an emotional Figaro-Bénéteau finale next year remains. The 58th Figaro Paprec will then be held one last time on the familiar Figaro Bénéteau 3 boats. The same applies to ‘La Transat Paprec’ as a mixed double-handed regatta.

A look back at Nico “The Brain” Lunven’s victory in La Solitaire du Figaro this summer: