There were seven of them lining up at the start of the 2010 Solitaire du Figaro. Seven competitors, who took part in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe round the world race. For some, it marked a return to an event, where their ocean racing career had begun, while for others, this was a new experience and they were considered as beginners. In the end, there was a clear win for the skipper of Brit Air, Armel Le Cléac’h, who won three of the four legs in the 2010 race.
Armel le Cléac’h (Brit Air), Kito de Pavant (Groupe Bel), Jérémie Beyou (BPI), Sébastien Josse (Vendée), Yann Elies (Generali Europ Assistance), Jonny Malbon (Artemis), Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat), in other words three former winners, two who were used to being up on the podium and two, more or less stepping into the unknown, including one rookie: this small group took part in the Solitaire du Figaro with a range of goals. Some were hoping for a win, while for others, it was seen as a way to find their footing in a particularly demanding competitive event. Finally, Jonny Malbon and Bernard Stamm were in it to continue the learning process by doing something different from what they had previously done.
Armel, a clear winner
It has been a long time since one sailor has so dominated a race. After a striking win in the Transat AG2R, Armel Le Cléac’h walked away with the 2010 Solitaire, winning three of the four legs, and in so doing enters the small elite circle of sailors, who have won the event more than once. Perfect speeds, precise manoeuvres, fine trajectories, Armel Le Cléac’h certainly impressed his opponents. There can be no doubt about his victory. Runner-up in the last Vendée Globe, Armel, while regularly up with the winners since his arrival back in Les Sables d’Olonne, had not managed to achieve any solo win since. 2010 will have quenched his thirst for success and he has now become one of the clear favourites for the next Route du Rhum.
Another competitor, who had a great race was Yann Elies, one of the few, who managed to keep up with the Jackal, as Le Cléac’h is known. However running aground during the first leg meant he had to use his engine to get out of trouble. This led to him being given a penalty, which put victory beyond his grasp.
Finally, Jérémie Beyou was for the second year running regularly up at the front. A serious contender for a second victory, he constantly battled for a place on the podium. But this year, Armel was just too much for him.
Measuring up
For Kito de Pavant and indeed for Sébastien Josse, taking part in the Solitaire was a way to get back with their first love and to enjoy close contact sailing with some top competitors. Things worked out rather well for Kito de Pavant, who admitted that this event is physically and psychologically very demanding.. There was however disappointment for Sébastien Josse, who had to lower his sights. But everyone knows what Sébastien is like and the skipper, now based in Vendée has already said he will be back.
As for Bernard Stamm, this was his first attempt. The Swiss sailor, who has already successfully sailed numerous times around the world, had never taken part in this event before. For a first go, it was a success, although Bernard was unable to take part in the final leg after another competitor collided with his boat at the start in Kinsale.
To finish, Jonny Malbon is still learning. Not really used to this type of sailing, the British competitor is building on his experience: He hopes this will be useful to him in future ocean races.
