Paul Loiseau has taken the Beneteau Rookies Trophy at the 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, capping three weeks of intense offshore competition across nearly 1,600 miles.
The 57th edition departed Perros-Guirec on 17 May, with 36 skippers contesting three legs: Perros-Guirec to Vigo, Vigo to Pornichet, and Pornichet to Le Havre. Nicolas Lunven claimed the overall title.
Sailing for Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir, Loiseau established himself as the standout rookie from the opening leg, then backed it up by winning both the rookie and overall standings on the second leg. Paul Cousin (Région Normandie) took the rookie stage honours on the final leg from Pornichet to Le Havre, but Loiseau's consistency across the full course was enough to secure the Beneteau Rookies Trophy, awarded to the best first-time participant in the race.
Beneteau is a longstanding partner of the Classe Figaro and the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. The Figaro Beneteau 3 has established itself as a benchmark in one-design racing, and the Rookies Trophy reflects the event's role in bringing through the next generation of offshore talent.
