La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro 2007 – the Figaro Bénéteau singlehanded circuit – which starts on 31 July is currently oversubscribed with 70 competitors announcing their intention to take part. There are however, just 55 places available on a first-come-first-served basis which means 15 of those who don’t sign up quick enough will not be able to compete this year.

Among those who’ve announced their intention to take part in the 1,876 nautical mile series which runs from 21 July -24 August between France, Ireland and Spain, are many key players from previous years including Nicolas Troussel (2006), Eric Drouglazet (2001), Michel Desjoyeaux (1992-1998). There’ll also be previous winners of the Rookie ranking: Christopher Pratt (2006), Pietro D’Ali (2005), Jean-Luc Nélias (2004), Marc Emig (2003), leg winners Gérald Veniard, Gildas Morvan, Marc Thiercelin, Laurent Pellecuer and hopeful winners: Gildas Mahé, Jeanne Grégoire, Bertrand de Broc, Frédéric Duthil, Christophe Lebas, and many others like Raphaël Dinelli, back on the scene after having taken part in three Vendée Globe races.

Rookies this year include Thierry Duprey du Vorsent (10th of the Route du Rhum – La Banque Postale 2006 on 60ft multihulls), Servane Escoffier (2nd in the Route du Rhum – La Banque Postale 2006 on monohull class 2), Frédéric Rivet (winner of the Tour de France à la Voile 2002-2004), Jean-Pierre Nicol (winner of the Tour de France à la Voile in 2006), Nicolas Lunven (2nd in the Tour de France à la Voile 2004-2005-2006).

There are currently two British entries – Nigel King (trimmer and helmsman aboard VOR yacht Pirates of the Caribbean), and James Bird the youngest ever competitor to compete in and complete the Mini Transat see previous news story here.