Thanks to Emma for sharing this latest sailing news with OnTheWight readers. Ed
The world’s leading annual solo sailing race, the Solitaire du Figaro is coming to the Isle of Wight between the 22nd and 26th June, bringing an exciting five-day public event to Cowes as part of the Island’s colourful ‘Festival of the Sea’ celebrations.
A world-class sporting event with an international following, the 2016 Solitaire du Figaro spans 1525 miles between four European Host Venues – Deauville (France), Isle of Wight, Cowes (UK), Paimpol (France) and La Rochelle (France).
Considered to be the world championships of solo offshore racing, the Solitaire takes a month to complete and pushes competitors to the edge of human limitation – one skipper, one boat, 1,525 miles, rough seas, harsh weather, no sleep…the list goes on.
Chance to put Cowes back on the map
Mark McNeil, Deputy Mayor of Cowes and Chairman of ‘Destination Cowes’ – a key organisation behind the event – explained why hosting the Solitaire is important step forward for Cowes:
“Portsmouth has had the America’s Cup, Southampton has had the Volvo Ocean Race – this is our chance to put Cowes back on the map as the UK and Europe’s sailing capital. A real spectacle of the sea and a showcase of top level sailing, the Solitaire will attract crowds from both the island and mainland to the Isle of Wight.”
Support from Visit Isle of Wight
Recognising this major event as an opportunity for increased tourism, international awareness and community involvement, Visit Isle of Wight are fully supportive of the Solitaire as Chief Executive David Thornton explained:
“The forthcoming Solitaire du Figaro is a brand new and exciting event for the whole of the Isle of Wight and Cowes.
“We are delighted that the UK leg of the race coincides with the Island’s annual celebrations of our maritime lifestyle and heritage, ‘The Isle of Wight Festival of the Sea’, and we look forward to working with our partners in Cowes and our new friends in France to make this an exceptional celebration that everyone can enjoy and be a part of.”
The race will restart in the Solent on Sunday 26th June, a spectacle not to be missed from the water or the Parade. From Cowes, the Solitaire du Figaro fleet will race to Paimpol (France) and finish in La Rochelle (France) on the 7th July.
Image: © Alexis Courcoux
