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1h ago

Tom Laperche Wins Route du Rhum and Sets New Course Record

The victory concludes a safety‑heavy race marked by violent weather, multiple rescues, and heavy boat damage, putting renewed pressure on teams and organisers over safety and costs.

[Vincent OLIVAUD / Route du Rhum 2026 / FACTSTORY]
Image
Mike Birch s'impose à la barre d'Olympus Photo lors de la première édition, 1978, avec un petit trimaran au jaune devenu légendaire en 23 jours, 6 heures, 59 minutes. A jamais le premier.
Au pays du Rhum, Franck Cammas arrose avec du champagne pour fêter sa victoire avec un Ultim géant de 31,50 m, Groupama 3. Mais le record n'est pas battu : 9 jours 3 heures et 14 minutes.

Overview

  • Tom Laperche crossed the finish at Pointe‑à‑Pitre and won the 13th Route du Rhum in a record time of 6 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes and 40 seconds, a mark reported on Sunday and confirmed by race timing.
  • Thomas Coville finished second and Louis Burton third in the Ultim class, completing the podium after Laperche’s night‑time arrival and successive finishes by the veteran sailors.
  • Race direction and MRCCs coordinated a high‑profile rescue after Benoît Sineau activated his EPIRB on Saturday, and he was later recovered and declared safe by Jules Bonnier.
  • A violent depression with powerful squalls and very heavy seas caused capsizes, collisions, foil and rudder failures, fractures and medical evacuations that forced many top contenders to retire or be rescued, including incidents affecting Francis Joyon, Armel Le Cléac’h, Jérémie Beyou and Charles Caudrelier.
  • Organisers awarded a modest winner’s prize reported at €85,000 while entry and campaign costs often exceed that amount, and teams are now focused on medical care, damage assessments and the logistical task of returning boats to port.