Tom Laperche has won the Route du Rhum in the Ultim class and set a new record in the process, according to Le Monde. The race finished on Sunday 8 November 2026, with the result reported that evening.
Thomas Coville took second place behind Laperche, Le Figaro reports, even though he broke two foils during the crossing. Speaking after the finish, Coville said that winning would have required flying for the entire race, L'Équipe reports.
Louis Burton completed the podium in third, according to the race's own publication, Route du Rhum 2026.
The victory also gives the Vannes-based naval architecture firm VPLP its eighth Route du Rhum win, Le Télégramme reports. The firm's involvement was highlighted in coverage of Laperche's success, with the outlet quoting praise for the sailor.
The reports did not give a finishing time for Laperche or a margin over Coville. Details of when and how Coville's foils were damaged were also not included in the available coverage.
The result leaves open how the race might have unfolded had Coville's boat stayed intact, a question his own comments about flying the whole way point toward. Further technical detail on the foil failures and the final standings behind the leading trio are likely to follow as the fleet completes the course.
