Vive Le Figaro

Could the Brits beat the French at their own sailing championships?

It's not that we're competitive or anything. Actually, yes we are - particularly when it comes to beating the French. And here at WideWorld, our eyes are firmly fixed on La Solitaire du Figaro, a 1,706 nautical mile race which has become probably the most important solo sailing event on the calendar.

British sailor Nigel King is, to date, the only Brit signed up for the event that is also open to amateurs and which is one of the most highly prized yachting events in France.

Le Solitaire Du Figaro comprises four stages, between France, Ireland and Spain, and takes place between July 28 and August 22. There are around 50 competitors - almost all of whom are French. This year it's the event's 40th anniversary.

According to King, Le Figaro has been the training ground of all the Vendée Globe winners. "In my book it make it one of the most important classes in solo sailing. I fancy my chances of beating about half of the French (there will only be up to 5 non-French in the race). The difficult job is beating the French teams that are fully funded and have been doing it for years. Solo sailing is about time on the water."

King says the French have been doing Le Figaro for so long and in greater numbers than other countries. "The new sailors that come through in France have grown up around the race and dream about winning it. In the rest of the world we are the infants of solo sailing, with very limited experience and no history to learn from. But that is slowly changing, and would change faster if we could find more UK companies prepared to sponsor UK campaigns."

Nigel King's website: www.nigelkingyachting.com; Solitaire Website: www.lasolitaire.com/accueil_en