Safety First: Griffin Pathway Support Joins Wider Response to Figaro Dismasting
June 04, 2026, RORC Griffin Pathway - The final leg of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec has concluded, eight of the 36 boats retired due to damage, including Tom Dolan who was in the lead but went aground and was airlifted off. Conditions were beyond brutal, but thanks should go to the organisers and emergency services for their efforts to ensure all sailors are safe and well.
The strength of the RORC Griffin Pathway Programme also contributed to the assistance of one of the competitors; Edouard Golbery racing SOS Children’s Villages. The RORC Griffin Pathway is not only measured by racing results, training miles or the number of young sailors on the water. It is also measured by the network it creates.
This year, the programme has more than 130 young sailors registered as Griffin sailors. Around them is a wider community of mentors, coaches, supporters and former Griffin sailors, connected by a WhatsApp group of more than 300 people. On Wednesday 3 June, that network was put into action.
During the final leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026, Edouard Golbery, racing SOS Children’s Villages, was dismasted off Salcombe while sailing in 13th position. The race organisation reported that the incident happened at 15:20 in a 35 to 38 knot squall. Golbery was unharmed, the mast was cut free to protect the hull, and he was able to start the engine while the British rescue services dispatched a lifeboat to assist him.
News of the dismasting quickly reached the Griffin community. Griffin Chair Jim Driver posted a message asking whether anyone was in the Salcombe area and could help when the Figaro arrived. The request was simple and practical: a hand with the boat, local contacts, and possibly somewhere for Edouard to stay for the night.
The response was immediate. Griffin coach Nikki Curwen offered to drive down from Poole, despite a tight schedule. Charles Arnold said he could help. Ben Owens offered to cover a hotel room. Tom Gurney passed on numbers for sailors based in Salcombe. Others stood by, ready to travel if needed.
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Edouard Golbery racing SOS Children’s Villages © RORC Griffin
By the end of the evening, the immediate situation had been dealt with. Edouard was safely ashore, the boat had been moored with extra fenders, and local support had been arranged. Griffin sailors in Salcombe, including Jonathan Hearm and Nick Matthews, were among those able to help directly, while Sam Willis was ready to get in the car if required.
Edouard Golbery racing SOS Children’s Villages © RORC Griffin
For those involved, it was a clear example of what the Griffin Pathway has become. The programme supports young sailors in developing their offshore skills, but it also builds a culture of responsibility, friendship and seamanship. In this case, that culture extended beyond the RORC fleet and across national lines to assist a French sailor in difficulty.
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Edouard Golbery SOS Children’s Villages
Nikki Curwen summed up the mood afterwards, reporting that the Griffin team had “come good” for Edouard, who is a friend of several sailors connected with the programme and has himself been supportive of young British sailors.
On a happy note, three RORC Griffin sailors, Ollie Hill, Ellie Driver and Joss Creswell, have finished Leg 3 of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in the early hours of Thursday 04 June. For the Griffin Pathway, the episode was a reminder that offshore racing is never only about performance. It is also about looking out for one another when it matters.
For more information about the RORC Griffin Pathway for sailors and supporters. www.rorc.org/griffinoffshorepathway
Source note: Based on RORC Griffin Pathway whatsapp notes and La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec race report, 3 June 2026.
