Tom Laperche, the fastest man in the Route du Rhum
The skipper of the flying trimaran SVR-Lazartigue wins the 13th edition of the legendary transatlantic race in a record time!
The skipper of the flying trimaran SVR-Lazartigue wins the 13th edition of the legendary transatlantic race in a record time of 6 days, 13 hours and 27 minutes.
A masterclass in sailing, delivered at just 29 years old. Pure brilliance. A great champion!
A dream race
First time competing. First across the finish line. Tom Laperche has set a new Route du Rhum record, writing his name into the history of the world’s most famous solo transatlantic race. He becomes the second-youngest winner ever – Laurent Bourgnon won at the age of 28 in 1994 – after leading the Ultim fleet all the way across the Atlantic. Like in a dream. One he had been shaping since he was a little boy, sailing his Optimist. “When I first started sailing, there was one race I wanted to win above all others: the Route du Rhum overall, in the flagship multihull class. I’d dreamed of it since childhood,” smiles the Breton sailor, who grew up immersed in sailing in La Trinité-sur-Mer. “It’s an incredible victory!”
In sync with his machine
Tom unfurled the wings of his gigantic and majestic foiling SVR-Lazartigue trimaran to fly across the ocean – and soar above the competition. In perfect harmony with his high-performance machine, in tune with the elements. “With every gust, I felt completely at one with the boat,” he says, his blue eyes sparkling with joy. “It was almost a state of grace. I found everything I had come looking for: outright speed, and that feeling when everything flows so smoothly and incredibly well. It’s amazing how much energy this victory gives me. I feel like I’m floating. I feel fantastic!”
The MerConcept team skipper, a trained engineer, adds a third prestigious achievement to an already outstanding offshore sailing record, following his 2022 Solitaire du Figaro victory and the 2025 Transat Café L’OR with Franck Cammas.
“When you hear something like that, all alone in the middle of the ocean, it’s an overwhelming feeling. It sends a chill down your spine.”
ㅤTom Laperche au sujet du chavirage d’Armel Le Cléac’h
Charging full speed ahead in pursuit of the ultimate prize, Tom had long been battling on equal terms with Armel Le Cléac’h, until the Maxi Banque Populaire XI capsized in the open sea after being caught in a violent squall. The two Julbo athletes were sailing in the same waters, in a hostile environment. “That was the major turning point in the race,” Tom explains. “I can tell you, when you hear something like that, all alone in the middle of the ocean, it’s an overwhelming feeling. It sends a chill down your spine. I wasn’t quite sure what to do; I was shaken while I waited to get going again. My thoughts are very much with him and his team. This accident is yet another reminder that we are always operating on the edge. It’s a level of total commitment you won’t find anywhere else.”
Gear up like a pro, just like Tom
To take on the most demanding conditions at sea, Tom wore our new OFFSHORE KARBON sunglasses, made in France. Designed for offshore sailing, they feature temples made from reused carbon sourced from the MerConcept workshops… and the SVR-Lazartigue trimaran itself!
Together with KEEN KARBON, they make up an exclusive limited-edition collection. Presented in a Jura wood box and accompanied by a recycled felt pouch, they are available now. Ready to carry all your positive vibes and join you on your greatest adventures!
Spectron HD 3 Polarized
OFFSHORE KARBON SPECTRON HD Polarized
Versatile Julbo x MerConcept sunglasses with temples made from carbon fiber sourced from racing sailboats
Spectron HD 3 Polarized
KEEN KARBON SPECTRON HD Polarized
Sunglasses with temples made from carbon fiber sourced from racing sailboats, for city life and days at sea
