/ 
Tiphaine Ragueneau continues her commitment to the Figaro Beneteau circuit. After a first season of discovery in 2025, the Pornichet-born sailor will set sail again in 2026 aboard the Figaro ORCOM, with a clear objective: the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. However, her preparations have been disrupted by a serious injury sustained during training this winter.
A second season to take Figaro to the next level
At 33, Tiphaine Ragueneau is pursuing an atypical sporting project. A rural veterinarian with a passion for marine biology, she divides her time between her job and ocean racing.
The 2025 season enabled him to discover the demands of the Figaro Beneteau circuit, one of the most demanding in single-handed ocean racing. This first year was above all a learning phase, as he faced a highly competitive field.
The sailor is now entering her second season with the aim of moving up the rankings.
"I'm really keen to do better than last year and show that I've progressed. The first Figaro season is always a year of learning. You discover how demanding it is, how to manage the boat single-handed and the density of the field. This year, I want to go one step further, to be further ahead in the rankings and, above all, to be able to sail my own race and take responsibility for my strategic choices
A serious injury during winter training
Winter preparations got off to a good start for the Figaro training group based in Lorient. But an incident on the way out of port put an abrupt end to this momentum.
The skipper seriously injured his hand during a maneuver.
"While I was due to be towed, we caught a violent gust and my fingers got caught in a bit between my boat and the zodiac. This resulted in a severed tendon and an open dislocation. I had emergency surgery the same day. At the time, I really thought I was going to lose a phalanx, but the surgeons did an incredible job of rebuilding my finger."
The injury will require several weeks of re-education and will temporarily limit sailing. However, the doctors remain optimistic about the recovery.
"Today, they think I'll be able to regain my strength and my sensations"
Preparation continues ashore
While the incident has put the brakes on preparations on the water, the sailor is continuing to work on her sporting project.
On the Figaro circuit, much of the preparation also takes place ashore. Weather analysis, course studies, boat tuning and optimization are all part of the skippers' daily work.
"Not being able to sail for several weeks is frustrating. But on a project like the Figaro, there's a lot to work on off the water. I'm taking advantage of this time to prepare for the season differently and arrive at the races with a different approach."
The Solitaire du Figaro 2026 in sight
The season kicks off at the end of March 2026 with the Trophée Laura Vergne in La Trinité sur Mer, crewed by young sailors from APCC Pornichet. The sailor will then compete in the Spi Ouest France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest at the beginning of April.
In mid-April, she will take part in the Trophée Banque Populaire Grand Ouest in Concarneau. This double-handed race will be contested with Pierre Leboucher, Olympic medallist and experienced skipper on the Figaro circuit.
But the main objective remains the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026. The start will be on May 17, 2026 in Perros Guirec.
An emblematic race in single-handed ocean racing, the Solitaire is distinguished by its one-design format. As the boats are virtually identical, the difference lies mainly in tactical choices, boat management and the physical stamina of the skipper.
"The Solitaire is a unique race. The boats are almost identical, so the difference really comes down to the sailor. It's an extremely demanding competition, but also an incredible adventure."
This edition will see the return of highly experienced skippers such as Yoann Richomme and Nicolas Lunven.
A special stopover in Pornichet
The 2026 edition will have a special dimension for Tiphaine Ragueneau. One of the stopovers will be in Pornichet, her home town. The sailor is a member of the APCC and took her first steps in sailing there. This home finish will undoubtedly be a highlight of the race, with the opportunity to sail in front of her club and local supporters.
