In February, I stepped into the French shorthanded racing Figaro circuit for the first time. One small step across the water…one giant leap for me in my sailing career.
For over a year now I have been staring down a long winding road, searching for a way to achieve my dream of a career in offshore racing. I have explored
many potential avenues, learnt some lessons, and received invaluable advice from my two mentors and many others. This is because there is no straightforward route into offshore racing.
“Retro-planning to achieve your goal:
Picture yourself having achieved your goal, and then look back at the key decisions and milestones along the way that enabled you to get there.”
The Figaro fleet is a highly competitive short-handed sailing class that has bred some of the world’s best offshore sailors. Every winner but one of the Vendee Globe has done the @Solitaire du Figaro – a 2000nm single-handed offshore race that takes place annually around the coasts of France, the UK, Ireland and Portugal.
Storming under code zero, full main and full jib in 30kts of breeze – I couldn’t believe how high the level of sailing was. I have so much to learn, however, my dream is to become a professional offshore sailor, so this is where I need to be!
Next week I am headed to France again to carry on! This time at a Figaro Academy event for those new to the class.
