The Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025: From dream to victory, everything has become real
- Suisse Office
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
The 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec ended in a blaze of glory in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, offering spectators a finale worthy of the legend. Three weeks of racing, nearly 1,850 miles sailed, sleepless nights, windstorms to withstand, precise changes of direction... and at the end of the road, a Norman finally crowned: Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL).
The coronation of an experienced sailor
After 19 participations, Alexis Loison is close to his goal. His victory seems like a given, winning two out of three stages (Rouen – Baie de Morlaix then Vigo – Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue). A watchmaker's consistency and the mastery of an old hand allow him to clinch, almost on home soil, a title he has been waiting for for two decades.
Behind him, Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023) took a magnificent second place in the overall standings, confirming her status as a rising star in ocean racing. The sailor thus became the first woman in the history of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec to reach the podium! Arno Biston (Article.1) from Brittany completed the podium, after battling to the bitter end for this coveted spot.
The next generation is already in its wake
While Alexis Loison and Charlotte Yven are writing legendary pages, the new generation has not failed to make its mark on this edition. Hugo Cardon (Sarth'Atlantique) is the rookie leader. With a stage victory in Vigo and a 6th place overall, he has made a stunning debut in the big leagues. Behind them, other young guns, like Tom Goron (Groupe Dubreuil) and Jules Ducelier (Région Normandie), have revealed themselves to the general public and to veterans who already see them as the dangers of tomorrow.
A rich and committed edition
On the sporting front, the 56th Solitaire lived up to all its promises: tricky light airs in the Bay of Biscay, gales in the English Channel, current reversals to be negotiated with millimeter precision... A complete performance where you had to know how to do everything: read the weather, manage your energy and stay clear-headed when the sea was raging.
On land, the party was all-out. From Rouen at the start to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue for the finish, via the Bay of Morlaix and Vigo, the stopover towns vibrated to the rhythm of the sailors. The race villages welcomed a large crowd who came to discover entertainment, exhibitions, and meet the sailors. The Normandy crowd gave the skippers a memorable ovation at the finish, transforming Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue into a true capital of ocean racing for a weekend.
A highlight of the village, the awards ceremony for stage 3 took place on Friday on the stage, followed on Saturday afternoon by the general classification awards ceremony, a sacred moment for the overall winner, Alexis Loison.
The view of the organizers and the title partner
For Paprec, title partner since 2023, this 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is a new success: the company reaffirms its role in opening ocean racing to all, through the Défi Paprec - offering sailors the opportunity to race the first leg of the race double-handed - but also through its support for the training sector and young talents.
Florent Schindler, Director of Information Figaro Nautisme / METEO CONSULT - La Chaîne Météo: "This 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec will be remembered as a truly great vintage. The podium was exceptional in more ways than one, with Alexis Loison claiming a masterful victory in her 19th attempt, and in style. "Chacha" (Charlotte Yven), a true metronome, entered history by becoming the first woman to stand on the podium, leaving an indelible mark on this race. Arno Bisto, very moved during the prize-giving ceremony, completed this prestigious podium, while rookie Hugo Cardon achieved the feat of winning a stage. What a spectacle! The mischievous weather conditions, which gave Yann Château, the demanding and attentive race director, and the Meteo Consult teams a hard time, and the very short rest periods between each stage, further reinforced the intensity and adventure of this edition. Once again, La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec proves that it knows how to remain young, demanding and exciting, while embodying the spirit of audacity, perseverance and surpassing oneself that make it a legend of ocean racing.
Thibault Petithuguenin, Paprec's Director of International Communications: "I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the sailors. In an edition with a very challenging course and marked by particularly difficult weather conditions, you impressed us with your courage, your perseverance, and your skill. Bravo to Alexis Loison! The 19th participation was ultimately the right one. He dominated this edition and his victory is incontestable. His perseverance over all these years to finally seek this ultimate grail is a source of inspiration for us all. I also want to highlight the magnificent performance of Charlotte Yven, who enters history as the first woman on a podium in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. It is a magnificent message for all the women involved in ocean racing. Yes, they can compete with men and reach the highest level of major competitions." It's an idea we've believed in for years and which led us to create the Transat Paprec mixed doubles race with OC Sport Pen Duick."
Julie Coutts, Managing Director of OC Sport Pen Duick:
“The 56th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec was a real success. On the sporting front, we witnessed three intense and varied stages, in demanding conditions, with an exceptional line-up of sailors. Alexis Loison, who won after so much effort and perseverance, perfectly illustrates the talent, determination, and panache of the skippers of La Solitaire. On land, the public was there, and the race villages provided an ideal setting to discover sailing, meet the sailors, and enjoy the many free activities on offer. These moments of sharing are essential for raising awareness of ocean racing and inspiring the sailors of tomorrow. I would also like to warmly thank all the partners of this edition for their unwavering support. Their commitment helps bring this legendary race to life and offer the skippers and the public a unique experience. This 56th edition will be remembered for the quality of the line-up, the intensity of the competition, and the exceptional welcome from the host cities.” We are already looking forward to meeting some of these sailors again and preparing with them for the 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, which remains unique in the world: a tough, demanding, but terribly human race."
Jean-Bernard Le Boucher, President of the BENETEAU Figaro Class:
"The male and female sailors who join the Figaro Beneteau Class are looking for a podium finish and even better, victory in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. This year again, the race was particularly tough, especially the final leg. We must thank all these high-level competitors who bring glory to this iconic event organized by OC Sport Pen Duick. The Figaro Beneteau 3 has once again demonstrated its reliability in offshore racing. Congratulations to Alexis Loison for his victory in his 19th participation. Congratulations to Charlotte Yven, the first woman to reach the 2nd step of the podium in La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Our admiration also goes to all the competitors involved in this very demanding race."
