From August 22 to September 26, 2021, the city of Saint-Nazaire will host not only the start but also the final leg of the 52nd edition of the Solitaire du Figaro!
Initiated in 1970, the race organized by the journal l'Aurore was called the Course de l’Aurore. The daily Le Figaro bought the event in '80 and it became the Solitaire du Figaro. The 52nd edition remains faithful to its fundamentals: open-sea legs and a ranking based on time.
Loire-Atlantique, land (and sea) of welcome
Since 2020, the department of Loire-Atlantique has committed to become a major partner of the race until 2026 and to host every grand start and final finish of the Solitaire du Figaro. A historic commitment, unprecedented in 50 years of racing! "Maritime land par excellence, the Loire-Atlantique benefits from an exceptional location with its coastal facade open to the world." "There is a real synergy here to develop maritime and nautical projects, " says Philippe Grosvalet, president of the Loire-Atlantique department.
2021, unique edition
Due to the health crisis, the 2021 edition includes only French cities: 2488 nautical miles and a route that offers three legs of 600 miles and one predominantly coastal leg of less than 500 miles. From Lorient to the Bay of Morlaix, and a grand premier passage through Fécamp, from the Bay of Biscay to the English coasts, via Wales and the Fastnet, the route with its large open-sea legs and more days at sea will put the skippers' nerves to the test.
The route at a glance
Stage 1: Saint Nazaire/Lorient (689 miles): August 22-26
Stage 2: Lorient / Fécamp (490 miles): from August 29th to September 1st
Stage 3: Fécamp / Bay of Morlaix (624 miles): from 5 to 9 September
Stage 4: Morlaix Bay/ Saint-Nazaire (685 miles): September 12 to 16
So who will replace Armel Le Cléac'h, holder of the title in 2020 and triple winner of the Solitaire? While the 4th leg will start at the bay of Morlaix where he comes from, the skipper who is preparing for the Transat Jacques Vabre will leave the field wide open to the thirty sailors expected to participate. Save the date, from August 22 to September 26, 2021 in the race port cities that will organize activities to promote this popular and sporting event.
Saint-Nazaire: departure activity village from August 18 to 22 and arrival activity village from September 15 to September 19, 2021.
SMARTAPPART, the housing solution in Saint-Nazaire
The SMARTAPPART residential hotel is a budget alternative to hotels in the city of Saint-Nazaire. Rates are discounted starting from two nights. Its furnished and connected apartments are suitable for any type of stay, business trip or family getaway. Emergency health measures have been taken to secure facilities and minimize contact. With its innovative concept of online booking and payment and its minimal staff, SMARTAPPART makes every effort to guarantee your autonomy and the tranquility of your stay.
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