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Between 12th and 14th August 2011, Dun Laoghaire will be the only international stop on the world famous French Solitaire du Figaro yacht race.

To celebrate the stopover of this iconic 3,390 km race, Festival des Bateaux this weekend will feature a wide variety of events and attractions. Highlights will include fireworks at 10pm this Friday 12th August, a colourful and varied Festival Market, a Festival Stage at the Harbour Plaza and Street Performers on the East Pier, Harbour Plaza and in Dun Laoghaire Town Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

The Solitaire du Figaro is a solo multi-stage yacht race created in 1970. The unique character of the race, the presence of great solo sailors and it being open to amateurs, has made it one of the most cherished races in French sailing. For 2011, the single-handed sailors will face a 1,695 nautical mile race in four legs.

Starting on 31st July the race set off from Perros-Guirec in France on a 320 nautical mile stage to Caen.

Departing on 7th August the second leg of 470 nautical miles took the race to Dun Laoghaire arriving on 10th August.

The third leg is 475 nautical miles long and the fleet then will set sail from Dun Laoghaire on 14th August to The Vendée in France and the legendary harbour of Les Sables d’Olonne.

The fourth and final leg of 430 nautical miles, will take the fleet to Dieppe finishing on 24th August.