Stopping single-handed ocean racing
François Gabart will not participate in the solo round-the-world Ultim race, the Arkea Ultim Challenge, in early 2024. At 40, the skipper has decided to put his solo sailing career on hold, preferring to focus on other projects. He is one of the co-founders of Vela, designer and owner of cargo sailing ships for 100% sailing. He is also at the head of his offshore racing team Mer Concept.
The sailor explains: "It's a choice that I've thought about for a long time. I want to sail with a crew. I want to pass on and hand over to a sailor, in this case Tom. We did the Jacques Vabre in 2021 (2nd in Ultim, editor's note) and we discovered the boat together. It's quite natural. Single-handed sailing has been my core business for the past 15 years, but I also happen to enjoy doing my job in a different way now."
Tom Laperche, new skipper of SVR-Lazartigue
Tired by these two years of conflicts with the Ultim class concerning the conformity of his boat, the sailor is handing over to his co-skipper Tom Laperche. At 25, the sailor from Trinidad and Tobago spent 4 years on the Figaro circuit, before winning the Solitaire of the same name in 2022.
He will take over the helm of SVR-Lazartigue, which he followed the construction and on which he sailed during the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2021. He will participate in the Arkea Ultim Challenge, after a Transat Jacques Vabre in duo with François Gabart.
Tom Laperche concludes: "It's a chance to have this opportunity. The challenge is big and there is nothing obvious, but I am very much looking forward to it. I've always dreamed of racing around the world on these big boats."
