Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue set for the Rolex Fastnet Race
by Trimaran SVR Lazartigue 23 Jul 03:28 PDT
26- July 2025
Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue set for the Rolex Fastnet Race © QAPTUR
Skippered by Tom Laperche, the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue will line up this Saturday, July 26, for the Rolex Fastnet Race - a legendary event the team won in 2023, setting a new race record.
After a winter refit, this first race of the season (crewed format) will serve as the perfect warm-up ahead of this autumn's Transat Café L'Or and, longer-term, the 2026 Route du Rhum.
A New Season Begins
After more than three months in the yard, SVR-Lazartigue was relaunched on July 3. The Rolex Fastnet Race marks the start of a fresh racing campaign — the beginning of a two-year build-up to the Route du Rhum 2026. This year's programme will continue with the 24H Ultim (double-handed, September 25-27) and the Transat Café L'Or (October 26, Le Havre - Fort-de-France-Martinique, double-handed).
Returning from the first training sessions since the refit, skipper Tom Laperche shared his excitement: "We've had some great sessions on the water," said Tom. "The full crew for the Fastnet was onboard, and it's really exciting to get back into racing mode — trying things out, organising ourselves. We were cautious at first, double-checking every system, which also helped us build a solid job list. It's in the details that performance is made — and the foundations are very solid."
The training sessions were also an opportunity to welcome a new face to the team: New Zealander Peter Burling.
"Peter has slotted into the team exactly as we imagined," says Tom. "He's super comfortable at the helm — his natural element — and everything he's said has been spot on. He brings great insight, whether it's about sail plans, appendages, or what's happening under the boat. His way of analysing things mirrors his work in the America's Cup, SailGP or other inshore projects. The Kiwis are world leaders when it comes to foiling and balance. They face similar challenges to us — but without the long-distance offshore constraints, so they've pushed certain aspects even further. That said, preparing for an ocean crossing requires a different mindset. On a personal level, Peter is great — calm, positive, a really positive spirit to have onboard."
Getting to Know Peter Burling
Having joined the team earlier this summer, Peter Burling — a reference in world sailing (three America's Cup wins with Emirates Team New Zealand, nine 49er World titles, and Olympic gold in Rio 2016) — has quickly found his place.
"I've had the chance to train in some great conditions and get to know the SVR-Lazartigue trimaran and her crew," says Burling. "It's an amazing boat — huge, powerful, yet very stable. It's also incredible to see how much these boats have evolved since the last time I sailed an Ultim. Now I'm looking forward to refining our approach and getting the most out of the boat for the Fastnet."
A Title and Record to Defend
First held in 1925, the Rolex Fastnet Race attracts both seasoned professionals and amateurs. On Saturday, July 26 at 12:10 (CET), nearly 480 boats — including four Ultims — will set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line in Cowes (UK). After 695 nautical miles (1,287 km), via the iconic Fastnet Rock off the Irish coast, the fleet will finish in Cherbourg (France).
Winner of the 2023 edition, SVR-Lazartigue — skippered at the time by François Gabart — holds the current race record: 1 day, 8 hours, 38 minutes, and 27 seconds (note: prior to 2019, the finish line was in Plymouth).
"It's a true offshore classic with a rich history," says Tom Laperche. "For us, this race is a great way to get back into the rhythm. Our last win is a fantastic memory. Doing it in crewed format is ideal to fully exploit the boat's potential. With four Ultims on the start line, it promises to be a great battle — and a key step in getting everything in place for the season ahead."
Rolex Fastnet Race Crew
- Tom Laperche (skipper)
- Franck Cammas (co-skipper)
- Peter Burling
- Antoine Gautier
- Amélie Grassi
- Emilien Lavigne