Irish sailor Tom Dolan has recently been named Irish Sailor of the Year 2024, a recognition that highlights his historic victory in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. At the Irish Sailing Awards ceremony in Dublin, Dolan also announced his ambition to compete in the 2028 Vendée Globe.
A Historic Victory in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
In September 2024, Tom Dolan became the first Irish sailor to win the Solitaire du Figaro, one of the most demanding solo sailing races. This victory is a major milestone in the race’s history, as Dolan is the first non-French skipper to win the event since 1988.
(pressmare.it)
National Recognition: Irish Sailor of the Year
This remarkable achievement earned Dolan the Irish Sailor of the Year title for the second time—the first being in 2020, after his fifth-place finish in the same race. He now joins an elite group of sailors who have won the award twice, alongside figures such as Anthony O’Leary, Annalise Murphy, and Finn Lynch.
Sponsorship Support and Future Goals
Dolan expressed his deep gratitude to his sponsors, including Kingspan, Smurfit Westrock, and Dubarry, for their continued support throughout his career. He is now preparing to defend his title in the 2025 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, with the ambition of joining the exclusive club of two-time winners.
The season will kick off with the Solo Guy Cotten in Concarneau, scheduled for March 22–29, 2025.
Heading for the 2028 Vendée Globe
With years of experience in the Figaro Class and an unconventional career path, Dolan now aims for the 2028 Vendée Globe, the legendary solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race.
If successful, he would become the first Irish sailor to complete the event, bringing Irish sailing into the global spotlight and inspiring a new generation of sailors.
Calling for Sponsors to Join a Global Adventure
This ambitious project requires significant resources. Dolan and his team are now seeking partners who wish to be part of an extraordinary human and sporting adventure.
The Vendée Globe is one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide, offering unmatched international exposure and embodying strong values of perseverance and determination.