Figaro

The Figaro more than any other class, is responsible for the continual stream of highly skilled and motivated French sailors who dominate the world solo-racing scene.  The Figaro Solitaire race celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009 with an entry of 52 boats, racing 1706 miles over 4 legs in 4 weeks. This intensity of high-level solo racing is unique to Figaro and attracts the top stars, many from the IMOCA 60 class who return every year to sharpen their skills.

Michel Desjoyeaux for example has won the event three times in 1992, 1998 and 2008. Philippe Poupon won it three times in 15 attempts over 22 years.
The standard of racing is extremely high as witnessed by the handful of Brits who have ventured in to the Figaro world. Race website here

The current class boat, Figaro 2, used by the class since 2003, is a very elegant Marc Lombard designed 33 footer with carbon mast, twin rudders and water ballast. Over 70 boats have been built with a projected life span of ten years. Conventional spinnakers are carried in very strong winds under the precise control of a powerful (reliable) NKE gyro pilot. Strict one-design rules and measuring ensure the boats are evenly matched and the racing is a true test of skill and endurance.

Brits lucky enough to campaign these very exciting boats in La solitaire include Nigel King, Andy Greenwood and Jonny Malbon. Katie Miller plans to enter the class in 2010 following her 2009 Ostar in the boat. Hannah White also raced a chartered Figaro 2 in Ostar, with a fantastic 4th place finish in 20 days..mins.  
The current boat replaced the Figaro 1 (Finot 30 footer) that was raced from1990 to 2003, which in turn replaced a mixed fleet of IOR half-ton yachts.  It will be very interesting to see how long before sorc has its own one design class! Class website here

The high performance of these boats is the key to attracting the most talented sailors and generating massive public interest in turn ensuring the support of numerous sponsors, simple! The class has too long been ignored by the British sailing media, this lack of publicity has contributed to the UK becoming a backwater of solo racing development. More details about "La Solitaire du Figaro" on the race website