Only third American for solo classic

American offshore sailor Erica Lush will line up on September 7 for the start of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious solo offshore sailing regattas. Held in the Figaro BENETEAU 3 one design class boat, the 56th edition of the three stage race will cover 1,850 nm along the France’s Atlantic coastline.

Often called the Tour de France of sailing, the Solitaire is regarded as a proving ground for the best in the sport. With 35 competitors, Lush is among eight women and will become only the third American ever to compete since its inception in 1970.

“All challenges begin with a foundation of hope,” Lush said. “Regardless of the result of this regatta, the fact that I am here and competing with legends of the sport shows that it is possible for women and Americans to become powerhouses in offshore sailing.”

In January, Lush began a training program in France, learning not only the intricacies of sailing these high-performance boats and navigating the local weather and waters, but also doing so in a language that was not her native one. She successfully qualified for the Solitaire in May following the Solo Maître CoQ race in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France.

Soon after, she returned to train back in the United States and placed third in her class in the Bermuda 1-2, making a round trip to Bermuda from Newport, RI.

The first leg begins in Le Havre, at the mouth of the iconic Seine River, with the 673 nm course taking the fleet around Ireland’s Fastnet Lighthouse, past the Isles of Scilly, and with a finish line in the Baie de Morlaix. Competitors are expected to finish on September 11.

The 565 nm second stage is scheduled for September 14 to 18 with the final 612 nm leg on September 21 to 25, concluding in in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue, France.

Details: https://www.lasolitaire.com/en