City of Dunkirk to host La Solitaire du Figaro

The city of Dunkirk in Northern France is set to host La Solitaire du Figaro, the world’s leading annual solo sailing race. Between September 9-12, the city will welcome the Figaro Beneteau 3 fleet for the arrival of the 2^nd stage before gearing up for an exciting departure for the start of the 3^rd stage.

This is the first time the city, which boasts the country’s third largest harbour, will host an offshore race, marking an important milestone for Dunkirk and anchoring the race in the North of France.

Sailor Thomas Ruyant is from Dunkirk and highlighted the many surprises the coastline can throw at you. “I regret that I will not be able to participate in the race as I will be in the middle of preparing for the Vendée Globe. However, Dunkirk is a very beautiful setting to welcome La Solitaire du Figaro. The Dunkirk area of coast can be tricky so it will be a lot of fun. Skippers competing in this edition will have to overcome currents, wind corridors and local effects accentuated by the Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez caps.”

Hervé Favre, President of OC Sport Pen Duick said, “The arrival of Dunkirk is a first in the history of La Solitaire. It’s always interesting to have a new stopover, both from a festive and a sporting point of view. Dunkirk has all the infrastructure necessary to welcome the Figaro Bénéteau 3 and the cities desire to do well, and perhaps continue in the long term, is exciting!”