From victory to vision – Tom Dolan's 2025 so far
by Tom Dolan Racing 21 Jun 07:41 NZST
Tom Dolan © Gilles Dedeurwaerder
Skipper's log - a word from Tom
"Halfway through the season, and it already feels like a lifetime of stories. The races, the pressure, the learning curves — and the high of defending my title. I've never felt more driven, or more grateful to everyone standing behind this journey. Let's keep going — there's still a lot of ocean left to explore." - Tom Dolan.
Six months, countless miles
Tom kicked off 2025 with a strong, varied schedule — combining solo races, double-handed challenges, and a standout crewed performance.
- Solo Guy Cotten (solo) - 7th place
- Trophée Laura Vergne (duo with Gildas Mahé) - 1st place
- Spi Ouest France (crewed, with Eliaz Morineau, Franck Cammas & Sébastien Col) - 1st place
- Solo Maître CoQ - 3rd after Day 1, then retired due to an eye injury
A season built on speed, control, and sharp execution — all setting the stage for what came next.
A month of honours
February 2025 was a milestone month for Tom — four awards in just over two weeks!
Among these recognitions, one stood out above all:
Irish Sailor of the Year, awarded for the second time in his career — a rare distinction that reflects not just a standout season.
Here's the full roll of honour from the month:
Feb 15 - Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Award, recognising his victory in the 2024 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
Feb 21 - Medal of the City of Concarneau - a touching tribute from the town where Tom lives and trains
Feb 22 - National Yacht Club (NYC) Boyne Regatta Cup, awarded for the best offshore performance of the year, in recognition of his victory in La Solitaire du Figaro
Each award is a reflection of the impact Tom continues to make — both in Ireland and France — as an athlete, ambassador, and symbol of what's possible through persistence and passion.
What's next: the upcoming campaigns
As summer unfolds, Tom's race calendar only intensifies. Here's what's coming up:
Coming up: the Course des Caps (June 29)
This summer, Tom will sail his first-ever IMOCA race around the British Isles as part of Team Charal, led by three-time Figaro winner Jérémie Beyou.
A new challenge, a new format — and a meaningful step forward in his progression.
Next on the Figaro schedule
- Figarmor (August 4-7) - Competitive solo inshore racing
- La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025 (September 7-27) - The ultimate showdown
Eyes on the double - the Figaro awaits
After his historic win in 2024, Tom is gearing up for a high-stakes return to La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec this September.
His goal? Win it again.
Why it matters:
- A second victory would place him among an elite circle of double Figaro winners.
- He remains the first and only Irish sailor to have won the race.
- The entire season so far has been built to peak at this moment.
It won't be easy — but the determination is intact.
Partners on board
Tom's journey wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of his partners — on land, at sea, and through every storm.
Kingspan, title partner of the boat since 2021, plays a central role. Their shared commitment to performance, resilience, and a sustainable future makes the partnership a natural fit. Both Tom and Kingspan believe in pushing boundaries — in sport, in technology, and in protecting the planet.
Other key partners include:
Dubarry & Guy Cotten - Providing essential high-performance gearTogether, they form the crew behind the sailor.