Jamestown, RI native clinched berth into prestigious regatta during this weekend’s Solo Maître CoQ
LES SABLES D’OLONNE, FRANCE – Rhode Island-based offshore sailor Erica Lushhas officially qualified for the prestigious Solitaire Du Figaro this past weekend in the Solo Maître CoQ race in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. After months of training and qualification regattas on the west coast of France, Lush now begins preparation for the Solitaire in September.
“Qualifying for the Solitaire is a huge accomplishment! It took an immense amount of work, focus, and dedication, but I am thrilled to be able to represent Rhode Island in one of the highest echelons of offshore sailing,” said Lush. “I am beyond grateful to those who supported me along the way. Together we showed that this level of the sport is not off limits for American and female sailors.”
Lush plans to return to Rhode Island over the spring and summer while gearing up forthe Solitaire. She will compete in the upcoming Bermuda 1-2 Race and continue sharpening her offshore skills.
In September, Lush plans to sail her vessel Hope in the Solitaire. She selected the name for the boat as a nod to the state motto of Rhode Island, as well as a reminder that tackling any challenge begins with a foundation of hope. She continues to seek support from sponsors and the sailing community to help get her to the starting line.
Companies and individuals interested in supporting should visit LushSailing.com to get in contact.
More information about Erica and her journey can be found at LushSailing.com. There, supporters and potential sponsors can sign up for her newsletter and donate to her campaign. To get updates from Erica in France, she can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Erica Lush is a determined offshore sailor with a passion for adventure. Erica has covered 75,000+ nautical miles across oceans (that’s equivalent to more than 2 laps of the planet!). She has fought for her place in a male-dominated sport, and is committed to carving more space for women like her to push their own potential. In April 2024 Erica, along with the rest of the crew of Maiden, set history as the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world yacht race. Now she sets her sights on her hardest challenge yet: This single-handed marathon is one of the toughest training grounds in the world to reach the top level of offshore racing.
