The Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue is back at sea
by Trimaran SVR-LAZARTIGUE 4 Jul 06:14 BST
3 July 2025
The Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue is back at sea © Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue
After a refit that began in March, the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue was relaunched this Thursday, July 3. Lined up for the months ahead is an exciting race programme, culminating this year with the Transat Café L'Or in October.
At the helm, skipper Tom Laperche will be able to draw on a wealth of expertise with the arrival of two top-tier sailors: Franck Cammas, co-skipper and performance director, and New Zealand's Peter Burling, Olympic gold medallist and America's Cup winner, who will join the team for the Rolex Fastnet Race.
A new chapter in a long-running adventure
Following its return to MerConcept's base in Concarneau, Brittany, after the Jules Verne Trophy campaign (non-stop crewed round-the-world record attempt), the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue is ready to sail again. Relaunched today, the boat is now entering a two-year build-up to the 2026 Route du Rhum, with 2025 focusing mainly on double-handed racing, including the Transat Café L'Or, and a shift to solo sailing next year.
"This refit was intense, with an ambitious job list," says skipper Tom Laperche. "In addition to three full months of structural checks, we worked on the appendages, the new sails, made aerodynamic refinements and boosted reliability. We managed to get it all done, and I'm feeling pretty confident. We're really looking forward to getting back out there."
Tom Laperche has been part of the SVR-Lazartigue story from the start — co-skipper to François Gabart in the last Transat Jacques Vabre (2nd place), crewmember for the Jules Verne Trophy attempts, and skipper at the start of the solo round-the-world Arkéa Ultim Challenge in January 2024.
The refit period and internal reorganisation at MerConcept have also reshaped the team structure. Antoine Gautier is now project manager for the trimaran, working alongside Franck Cammas, who joins as performance director and co-skipper for double-handed events.
"When I called Franck, I wasn't just looking for a co-skipper," explains Tom. "I wanted someone who could also contribute to the sporting and technical vision — someone to challenge and build on the work from our design team. I'm really happy with how things have come together with Antoine and Franck. Franck will take a broader view of the big technical developments to come, while Antoine will handle the day-to-day team operations."
Franck Cammas: experience and vision
A four-time winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (2001, 2003, 2007, 2021), winner of the 2010 Route du Rhum and former Jules Verne Trophy record holder (48 days, 7 hours, 44 minutes and 52 seconds), Franck Cammas brings decades of experience to the team.
"My goal is to bring a fresh perspective to a team that already knows the boat inside out," says Cammas. "We'll need to keep the dialogue open, challenge ourselves, and remain receptive to new ideas. It's all about working the details, staying rigorous, curious and open-minded. That mindset is something Tom and I share. We're always looking for new ways to push technology further — but we know that innovation comes with risk. Humility is essential because the competition is fierce. Everyone is stepping up. Each time we go to sea, we aim to perform better than the time before. With this team — both on land and at sea — and one of the most advanced boats in the fleet, we have everything in place. Now we just need to deliver. Sometimes you have to be patient for results, but that's the nature of the game."
Peter Burling joins the team for the Rolex Fastnet Race
Peter Burling's track record speaks for itself. Olympic champion in the 49er class at the Rio Games (2016), nine-time 49er world champion, and triple winner of the America's Cup with Emirates Team New Zealand (2017, 2021, 2024), the New Zealander will be onboard SVR-Lazartigue at the end of the month for the Rolex Fastnet Race.
"François (Gabart) encouraged me to reach out to the Anglo-Saxon sailing scene, where some of the best in the business are pushing the limits of these flying boats," says Tom. "We had a shortlist of sailors we were keen to sail with. The New Zealanders have long been leaders in this area. Peter is an exceptional sailor — Olympic medals, America's Cups... and from our first conversations, he was totally on board. His flight expertise is top-level, he's an outstanding inshore racer, and I know he'll bring a lot to the team."
Peter Burling is equally enthusiastic:
"When they contacted me, it was an easy decision to say yes to the Rolex Fastnet Race. I've always loved offshore racing — that's what led me to The Ocean Race. The Ultim class is the pinnacle of high-performance offshore sailing. These boats are incredibly innovative and versatile. I'm really excited to get back offshore and to learn more about how this class is evolving. Joining a team with such deep experience on these boats is a fantastic opportunity. I've followed François Gabart's journey and everything the team has achieved, and seeing Tom take over the project is great. He's an exceptional sailor. For me, this is a chance to push myself, learn, and work with an outstanding crew. I can't wait to get started."
Next event: The Rolex Fastnet Race
"Our win in the last edition is a great memory," recalls Tom Laperche. "This year there will be four boats on the start line, which promises an exciting showdown. For us, this will be a great way to restart the season. Sailing in crewed format on this course will allow us to get the most out of the boat and prepare for the season ahead."
The crew:
- Tom Laperche (skipper)
- Franck Cammas (co-skipper)
- Peter Burling
- Antoine Gautier
- Amélie Grassi
- Emilien Lavigne
2025 Programme
After a PR event in Saint-Malo for SVR's partners, the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue will begin her race campaign with a title to defend in the Rolex Fastnet Race (winner in 2023: 1 day, 8 hours, 38 minutes - crew: François Gabart, Tom Laperche, Antoine Gautier, Émilien Lavigne, Élodie-Jane Mettraux and Sébastien Col).
- 26 July: Rolex Fastnet Race (crewed), between Cowes (Isle of Wight, UK) and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
- 25-27 September: 24h Ultim (double-handed), setting sail from Lorient, Brittany
- 26 October: Transat Café L'Or (ex-Transat Jacques Vabre), double-handed, between Le Havre (France) and Fort-de-France (Martinique)