Mullagh sailor Tom Dolan is set to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career this Sunday defending his historic victory in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro, widely regarded as the "World Cup" of solo offshore sailing.
Last year, the Mullagh man made history by becoming the first non-French sailor to win the prestigious race and the first Irish sailor to claim the coveted trophy.
The 2025 Solitaire du Figaro will see the fleet round Ireland's iconic Fastnet Rock on Leg 1, before making two stops en route to the finish line in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France.
Now, as the 2025 edition of the three-leg race kicks off in Rouen, all eyes are on him as he prepares to go head-to-head with the figaro fleet.
The local man says winning last year doesn't guarantee anything, so he has focused on small, incremental improvements, trying to gain percentages wherever he could in my boats set up rather than focusing on results. Dolan says he's committed to staying grounded and present throughout the challenge.
