The Solitaire du Figaro, a legendary race in the French sailing scene, is about to turn a page in its history. From 2028, the Figaro Bénéteau, these one-design monohulls that have trained generations of skippers, will give way to the Ocean Fifty, faster and more spectacular multihulls. This is a significant decision that raises questions about the very future of the Figaro class and, beyond that, the future of sailing training in France.
To remember
- There Solitaire du Figaro abandons the Figaro Bénéteau for Ocean Fifty from 2028.
- The Figaro class, historic and formative, risks losing its flagship event, which could jeopardize its existence.
- The Figaro Bénéteau is a unique boat: a one-design boat, it showcases the pure talent of the skippers, without technological advantages.
- Without the Solitaire, the incentive to invest in a Figaro Bénéteau is greatly reduced, which could push skippers towards alternatives like the Sun Fast 30 One Design, which is less expensive and more versatile.
- In a difficult economic context for skippers, the switch to the much more expensive Ocean Fifty raises questions about the relevance of this transition.
Why is this decision historic?
The Figaro Bénéteau class is much more than just a category of boats. For decades, it has embodied the French school of offshore racingA demanding, one-design class, it allows the true talent of the skippers to shine, without performance being skewed by differences in equipment. It’s a boat that mixed offshore racing and regattaoffering comprehensive training, ideal for preparing for major challenges such as the Vendée Globe or the Route du Rhum.
The Solitaire du Figaro, the premier event of this class, is a must for anyone wishing to make a name for themselves in the world of sailing. Removing this race from the Figaro calendar risks emptying the class of its substance. Without it, what interest would there be for a skipper to invest in a Figaro Bénéteau? The French Elite offshore racing championship, which revolves around this class, could also lose its appeal, even if the class officials assure that they are working on an alternative.
What alternatives are there for skippers?
Faced with this transition, some skippers might turn to other types of equipment, such as the Sun Fast 30 One DesignCheaper to buy and maintain, and more versatile, it could appeal to many sailors looking for a boat without breaking the bank. But is it really comparable? The Figaro Bénéteau remains a boat designed for offshore racing, with robustness and ergonomics adapted to long solo stages.
A tense economic context
Professional sailing is going through a difficult period. Budgets are shrinking, and sponsors are becoming scarcer.and the skippers are struggling to secure their funding. In this context, the switch to the Ocean Fifty, whose cost is much higher than that of a Figaro Bénéteau, raises questions. Is this the right time for such a revolution? Some see it as an opportunity to modernize the race, others as an unnecessary risk that could exclude many talented individuals due to a lack of resources.
And tomorrow?
The Figaro Bénéteau class will not disappear overnight. It will continue to exist, with its championship and its races, but Without the Solitaire, her soul risks withering away. The organizers assure that the fundamentals of the race will remain unchanged: solo, in stages, with a time-based ranking. But the change of boat marks a turning point, the consequences of which on the French sailing ecosystem remain to be seen.
One thing is certain: this decision leaves no one indifferent. It raises questions about the future of skipper training, the accessibility of offshore racing, and the balance between tradition and innovation. In a world where sailing must constantly reinvent itself to survive, this transition to the Ocean Fifty could well be a bold gamble… or one step too far for the Figaro class.