85,000 +
ocean miles sailed
2x Solitaire du Figaro
and only American to compete twice
1.5x
laps of the planet
1st All-female team to win an around-the-world yacht race
("Maiden" - 2024 Ocean Globe Race)
© A.Francois / La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025
Follow the Race
Watch the first leg live start on the Lush Sailing Facebook page and La Solitaire's YouTube channel. The action kicks off Sunday, May 17th!
Follow Erica on Social For Race Updates
THE LONG-TERM GOAL
The Vendee Globe 2032
Solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in an IMOCA 60. The target is the 2032 edition, and every season between now and then is a step toward that start line.
"I didn't come [to France] to check the race off of some bucket list, but rather to hone my skills against the best with a long term vision."
- Erica
THE PATH TO 2032
"Solitaire du Figaro" circuit
This fleet is routinely used as a development ground for the Vendee Globe, even by world-famous skippers.
Class 40 circuit
Class 40's are a slightly larger boat and their main races of the season are Trans-Atlantic. They have a larger budget than a Figaro 3, but offer great visibility for companies.
IMOCA 60 circuit
These are the boats raced in the Vendee Globe, and are equivalent to Formula 1 racing - boasting the hottest technology in the sport. The sooner Erica can secure a budget to race in this fleet, the better chance she has for a podium finish in the Vendee Globe.
3 BACK-TO-BACK RACES
COMPLETELY ALONE
EACH RACE IS OVER 600 NAUTICAL MILES
© Cate Brown
The "Solitaire" for short, is the proving ground for France's best offshore sailors.
​
It's comprised of three solo legs of roughly 600 miles each, about 1,800 miles in all, raced in one-design Figaro 3 boats.
Because the boats are the same, the race comes down to the sailor: Competitors often finish within minutes of each other after five days alone at sea, sleeping only in short naps.
​
This race is important because it’s proven to build the best offshore sailors in the world. Half of Vendée Globe skippers came up through this circuit, and 9 out of 10 editions have been won by past “figaristes.”
— This race is solo, but the training and preparation presents development opportunities for more Americans and more female sailors. This story has the capacity to inspire.
Help Erica reach the start line.
Ask About Partnership Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this campaign for the Solitaire du Figaro:
-
Title Partner
-
Platinum Partner(s)
-
Select Official Partners
Subscribe for Updates
Join the email list and get access to exclusive updates.
Timeline
The next 2 years fully dedicated to intense training & storytelling to share the challenge with your clients or internal marketing targets.
March-April
2026
Lead-up Races
First races of the season: a warm
up for the challenge ahead
May-June
2026
The Main Event
Compete in the Solitaire du Figaro, aiming for a performance result
Sponsors Invited to Race Village
Watch a race start and see your brand in action.
Feb-March
2026
Winter Training
with a fleet of Figaro 3's in the
Lorient Grand Large training center
2025
First Participation
In the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
2024
Double-Handed Competition
Represent the USA at World Championships in Lorient, France
Athlete Meet & Greets, Speaking Engagements
Available throughout the year around the training and racing schedule