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A record improved by more than six hours
Tom Laperche crossed the finish line in Pointe-à-Pitre on Saturday, November 7, at 10:31 p.m. local time, after 6 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes, and 40 seconds of racing.
He beat the previous record set by Charles Caudrelier in 2022 by 6 hours, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds.
The SVR-Lazartigue trimaran covered 4,308 nautical miles at an average speed of 27.18 knots. This speed, calculated based on the actual route taken, illustrates the pace set by the skipper throughout the crossing.
A race that got off to a strong start right from the very beginning
Laperche quickly took the lead in the Ultim fleet. His main rival at the start of the race, Armel Le Cléac'h, kept up the pressure until Banque Populaire XI capsized in the Atlantic.
The skipper of the SVR-Lazartigue then changed course to assist with the rescue efforts. Armel Le Cléac'h was ultimately rescued by a merchant ship. This incident shook up the race, though it did not call into question Laperche?s ability to maintain a fast pace all the way to the Caribbean.
A more difficult arrival than expected
As the boat approached Guadeloupe, weather conditions made the final stretch of the voyage difficult. Southwesterly winds and squalls forced the skipper to make numerous maneuvers.
After several days of fast sailing downwind, he had to adapt to less favorable wind angles and a more tactical approach. The record was still within his reach, but he still had to navigate the final miles without incident.
SVR-Lazartigue Confirms Its Potential
This victory marks an important milestone for Tom Laperche, who has been familiar with the trimaran since it was built and had already been involved in its development alongside François Gabart.
As the winner of the 2022 Solitaire du Figaro, the sailor has cemented his place at the highest level of solo ocean racing.
Beyond the record, this Route du Rhum also highlights the fragility of the balance in the Ultim class. The damage sustained and retirements of several competitors serve as a reminder that, at these speeds, a boat?s reliability and risk management remain just as crucial as pure performance.
