Michel Desjoyeaux (TBS) completed an amazing season in the Figaro Single-handed championships, by winning the last solo Grand Prix, held in St.Gilles in the Vendee this weekend. His win gives him overall victory for the year – with an incredible set of results.

Ireland’s Damian Foxall (Barlo Plastics) continued his consistently good performance, once again in the top ten, after the tough series of windward/leeward races coupled with a coastal course. The coastal race suited Foxall best, and he took an excellent 4th place.

With this season’s solo racing now at an end, thoughts are already on to next year. Foxall hopes to continue with Barlo Plastics, and mount a serious challenge to win the Figaro in 1999. His progression this year has been excellent, and he is confident that 1999 could be the year for a non-frenchman to win this coveted title.

There is just one more event in the calendar, the fully crewed Championships to be raced next weekend from St.Gilles.

Results St.Gilles

1. Michel Desjoyeaux (TBS) 9 points. 2. Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert) 10 points 3. Eric Drouglazet (Carven Defenders) 10 points

8. Damian Foxall (Barlo Plastics) 37 points 9. Thomas Coville (Zurich) 39 points – first rookie 19. Marcus Hutchinson (Bergamote) 74 points

Offshore Challenges Limited An organisation created to support and inspire single-handed offshore yacht racing Tel 44 385 391134 Fax and voicemail 44 171 681 2759 Email mark@offshorechallenges.com Web http://www.offshorechallenges.com

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