Tom Laperche is poised to win the 13th Route du Rhum and shatter the race record. The skipper of SVR Lazartigue, leading the Ultim class since the start, is expected to arrive in Guadeloupe on Saturday, with a time that could eclipse Charles Caudrelier’s 2022 mark.
Tom Laperche is on course for a historic victory in the Route du Rhum, commanding a dominant lead in the Ultim class. The 29-year-old French skipper has maintained control of the transatlantic race since its November 1st start from Saint-Malo, France, heading toward Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. As of the latest Friday reports, Laperche held a substantial lead, with his pursuers more than 500 nautical miles behind, according to franceinfo.fr.
Laperche’s Record-Bearing Advance
Laperche’s progress has been both swift and steady. On Friday evening, local metropolitan time, he was sailing south at an average speed exceeding 26 knots, as reported by the event’s source material. The focus now shifts to whether he can also claim the race record.
To break the existing mark, Laperche must cross the finish line before 8:49 AM Paris time on Sunday. This record was set by Charles Caudrelier in 2022, who completed the journey in 6 days and 19 hours. The skipper acknowledged the challenge, noting the final leg of the race requires sailing through a transition in a tropical depression. “We are waiting for the wind to shift to get back to south-westerly towards the Antilles. I’m a bit tense because I don’t want to lose too much time in this transition,” Laperche explained in a Friday report cited by franceinfo.fr.
A Dominant Performance in the Ultim Class
The Ultim class, featuring the largest and most powerful multihulls, has been the center of attention. Laperche’s SVR Lazartigue has been the undisputed leader, with the competition for second place shaping up as the primary battle for the podium behind him. Coville and Burton remain locked in a duel for the runner-up position, with neither able to mount a serious challenge for the lead.
Laperche’s background adds context to his potential triumph. Born on June 24, 1997, in Loudéac, a landlocked area of Brittany, he developed a passion for sailing later in his childhood. His father, a sailor who competed in the Solitaire du Figaro, and his grandfather, a mariner, influenced his career. He began sailing at age five and has since built a notable résumé, including a win in the Solitaire du Figaro (2022), a second place in the Jacques Vabre (2023 with François Gabart), and a Transat Café L’Or victory (2025 with Franck Cammas), as detailed by actu.fr.
Race Developments in Other Classes
While Laperche’s victory in the Ultim class appears imminent, other divisions of the Route du Rhum are seeing their own narratives unfold. In the Imoca class, Corentin Horeau (MACSF) has established a firm grip on the lead, with an advantage of over 250 nautical miles. The fight for second and third places, however, remains competitive between Boris Herrmann (Malizia) and Sam Goodchild (MACIF).
Injuries and Challenges on the Course
The Route du Rhum has not been without its setbacks. In the Imoca class, Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande) was forced to retire from the race after sustaining an injury. The 35-year-old Italian navigator “heavily fell in his cockpit” during the night from Thursday to Friday, according to his team’s statement. Suffering from severe back pain, he consulted with race doctors before making the difficult decision to turn back toward the Azores, where he will receive medical care. This incident adds to a series of health-related retirements in this year’s race, including Jérémie Beyou, who announced his abandonment earlier in the week due to multiple fractures and a head injury.
What’s Next: The Final Push to Guadeloupe
The next major checkpoint is Laperche’s anticipated arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre. His team expects him to reach the finish line around 22:00 local time on Saturday, which translates to 03:00 AM Paris time on Sunday.
For the other classes, the race continues. While the leaders in Imoca and Ocean Fifty are in strong positions, the battles for podium places remain active. The Imoca fleet, in particular, will be monitoring Horeau’s progress as he nears the final stretch.
FAQ
- When is Tom Laperche expected to finish?
- Tom Laperche is expected to arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, on Saturday around 22:00 local time (03:00 AM Paris time on Sunday).
- What is the current record for the Route du Rhum?
- The record is 6 days and 19 hours, set by Charles Caudrelier in 2022.
- Who retired from the Imoca class due to injury?
- Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande) retired after a fall and is sailing back to the Azores for medical care.
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