Tom Laperche wins trans-Atlantic Route du Rhum in record time

French sailor Tom Laperche has won the Route du Rhum on his first attempt, setting a new record for the solo trans-Atlantic yacht race. The 29-year-old led for much of the crossing and reached Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, after six days, 13 hours and 27 minutes at sea.

Laperche sailed the Ultim trimaran SVR-Lazartigue and finished about six hours faster than the previous record, set by Charles Caudrelier in 2022. His victory came amid a difficult race: rival Armel Le Cléac’h capsized and was rescued, and Laperche received a time bonus after diverting towards him when he activated his distress beacon. Caudrelier also had to abandon after his boat suffered foil damage.