Erica Lush set to begin second Figaro

American offshore sailor Erica Lush will sail in the prestigious 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec regatta series—a three-leg, singlehanded offshore sailing competition that uses the one design Figaro BENETEAU 3.

The 57th edition takes the 36 competitors along the French and Spanish coast, with the first leg starting May 17 and extending 610 nm. All three legs add up to 1660 nm.

In September of 2025, Lush became the third American and second American woman to complete the Solitaire.

“The difference in my comfort and confidence levels between last spring and now is amazing,” said Lush. “The process is familiar. I feel empowered to be on the course alone, in control of my boat.

“This year I’m no longer a rookie. I’ve done this before. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I know I can sail fast, and smart. There’s no doubt I have grit. And I’ll be damned if I let someone sail by me. I’m seasoned now, and I can play this game too.”

Lush’s 2026 Solitaire campaign has been on a compressed timeline, as the start of the annual regatta series comes less than seven months after the finish of 2025’s event. This year Lush has chartered and trained with a new boat, but kept the name Hope, a nod to her home state of Rhode Island and the mission driving her to take on such monumental challenges.

The Beneteau Figaro 3 is owned by legendary offshore sailor Samantha Davies, a veteran of the singlehanded global circumnavigation regatta the Vendée Globe.

“I was happy to find Erica at the beginning of the year<’ said Davies. “I raced the Figaro circuit at the beginning of my career in France. To me it’s compulsory to sail this circuit to become a great solo sailor.

“I am always keen to loan my boat to sailors like Erica who I identify with and are growing in their career. There is a whole network of people here in France supporting her to get to the starting line.”

The Vendée Globe is a goal for Lush herself, whose father competed in the first edition of what became that race in 1982. Completing the Solitaire du Figaro is seen as an important stepping stone on the road to the Vendée starting line.

“With each regatta I complete, I feel more and more confident in not only my sailing abilities, but also my mission to re-establish the United States as an offshore sailing powerhouse,” Lush adds.

Lush would become the first American sailor, regardless of gender, to complete two Solitaires if she successfully crosses the finish line.

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