BEN BEASLEY: 9th SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO PAPREC RECORDING – NEWS

1/ Well, I have a first question. If I see you tomorrow evening and ask you: “OK what do you do? “. What do you answer me?

I am originally from New Zealand and there I worked in all kinds of boat related trades including boat building and mast making. But first of all, I’m a sailor. I love solo sailing and am trying to campaign for Figaro to become a professional sailor. I came to France because it is the best country in the world to learn to sail.

2 / You are a junior this year, what is your solitaire picture?

Solitaire du Figaro is known as one of the most difficult single races in the world. I’m more excited than worried about participating – maybe 75% excited and 25% anxious.

3. Tell us more about the sponsors? your project?

I have two small sponsors: Taversham’s, an English auction company, and Primero Profiles, a New Zealand profile steel company. I’m still looking for sponsors to finish this season and next season. My goal is to continue to progress and learn as much as possible in the Figaro class.

4. The best and worst moment in navigation?

One of my best moments was finishing the 2020 double sprint around New Zealand’s North Island on a smaller boat and winning our tournament. During the second leg of this race, we made a big tactical move, heading out to sea and avoiding high pressure near land. We were able to beat a lot of the bigger and faster boats and win the stage.

5. Solitaire in 3 words?

Difficult – Exciting – Exhausting

6. Tell us about your typical day as a sailor, excluding race time.

An ordinary day begins with a bike trip to the boat. I have a permanent to-do list that I check off when I go and add a new to-do list to it. I also try to get out on the water and practice as much as possible.

7. What an unforgettable song Do you listen when you are alone at sea and who can help overcome fatigue or anxiety?

I don’t have a particular song, I like a lot of songs, so when I’m in the water listening to a Spotify playlist helps me relax.

8. Your goal this year, your future ambitions?

My goal this year is to start La Solitaire du Figaro and finish every stage of the race. My future ambition is to become more competitive in the Figaro class and to do many more Solitair games.

9. A former Figaro rider is an example for you today?

I really like Conrad Coleman, a New Zealand sailor who sailed solo in 2019. I also really like Michelle Dejoyo.