Paul Ó Riain: competing in La Solitaire yacht race
It's decidedly odd that Paul Ó Riain is only the second Irish person to compete in La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro, given that the event, which is in its 38th year, visits these shores every year. Fifty-two competitors are taking part in the solo sailing race, which starts next Tuesday in Caen, in northwestern France. During their 13 days at sea they will sail 1,876 nautical miles (3,475km) between France, Ireland - Crosshaven, in Co Cork - and Spain.
Ó Riain, who is 39, has aeclectic CV, having studied marine leisure management and computer programming, taken an MBA, taught windsurfing, owned a windsurfing businesses and worked in the telecommunications industry. All the while he "dipped in and out of pro sailing" and ran boats for what he calls "VROs" - very rich owners.
Taking part in an event such as La Solitaire requires six months of full-time effort and a substantial six-figure budget. What made him take the plunge? "I was selling broadband for a telecoms company and I got very sick. The doctors said it was probably stress related. I was in hospital thinking that money isn't everything - I may as well do what I want to do. I borrowed to get the project moving initially, but now I have CityJet on board as title sponsor."
In March he headed to La Rochelle, in western France, for training, since when he has clocked up 1,300 nautical miles (2,400km) on the boat. "I have been doing 15- or 16-hour days. Attention to detail is everything. This race is all about whether or not you can handle the pressure and how experienced you are." Lack of sleep will be the biggest challenge. "If you feel you have a quiet time or can't see anything around, you grab 20 minutes."
So what target is he setting himself? "The first thing I want to do is finish all the stages, but I am a competitor, so of course I would love to win. I talked to a guy here who said that if you can do a top 25 in La Solitaire then you are a world-class sailor - and that would really be something."
The second leg of the race, from Crosshaven to Brest, leaves Co Cork on Monday, August 6th. See www.lasolitaire.com