03/06/2026
Irish sailor Tom Dolan had an unexpected finish to his third leg of the Solitaire du Figaro last night.
While leading the fleet, Tom’s boat ran aground on the Chaussée de Sein. After 5 hours of trying to get free, Tom was airlifted to safety by the French Navy.
Safety is always the number one priority at sea, and we are proud of Tom’s decision to prioritise his safety over a place on a podium.
This event is an example of how even the most experienced skippers can encounter trouble at sea, and how important it is to always ask for help. Well done to Tom Dolan on his efforts and wise decision making last night.
🚨 Tom Dolan Forced to Retire
While sailing at the front of the fleet alongside Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire), Tom Dolan (Kingspan) ran aground at 00:16 on the Chaussée de Sein, just a short distance from Beg ar C’hale on the Île de Sein.
The skipper initially tried to free his boat on his own, but was unsuccessful as the tide was falling. Assisted by the Île de Sein lifeboat crew (SNSM), Tom deployed both of his anchors in an attempt to stabilize the boat and manoeuvre her free on the rising tide. Unfortunately, he was unable to escape the situation.
After five hours of effort, at 5:40 a.m. this morning, the Irish skipper was airlifted by a French Navy helicopter as conditions had become dangerous for both him and his boat.
The skipper is safe and will be brought ashore.
Sadly, the Irish sailor’s race ends here, and his hopes of securing a second victory come to an end in Brittany.
More information to follow.
Kingspan Group Dubarry of Ireland Classe Figaro Beneteau Irish Sailing Guy Cotten Dubarry Sailing
