One of the most important races in the French calendar

Available for over a year

Up to 45 of the world's top solo offshore sailors will be arriving in Cowes in June 2016, when the town plays host to an international race. The Solitaire du Figaro is a gruelling 1,500 nautical mile French race, from Deauville to La Rochelle. Considered to be the world championships of solo offshore racing. Ed Hill from Southampton is a race veteran, having competed in 2013 and 2014. He is now part of the team that has brought the race to Cowes. He told BBC Radio Solent's Neil Sackley how important the race is in the French sporting calendar.