Back to school.
Or rather, the Figaro Bénéteau class, at the very place where the 9th edition of the Vendée Globe has just ended.
Port Olona in Les Sables d'Olonne hosts all week long the Solo Maître CoQ (named after the partner of Yannick Bestaven, the winner of the round the world), the first event of the figar circuit and of the French elite offshore racing championship.
Among the twenty-nine sailors who will launch the new season this Monday, culminating at the end of August with the Solitaire du Figaro, a young man is eye-catching.
Tom Laperche, 2X years old, will defend his title in the Vendée event contested behind closed doors, covid-19 requires.
And nothing to stress the skipper of the Brittany - CMB sector too much.
“It's a first race to see where we are after this winter's work,” he confided to Le Figaro.
I can't wait and I'm excited but I don't have too much pressure from the fact that I won it last year.
"
“I hope to do as well, if not better. To remain on its achievements is a mistake ”
Tom laperche
After a more than successful second season on the ruthless Figariste circuit (three podiums in four races), the sailor from the bay of Quiberon knows he is expected, even watched.
And in the first place by himself.
“I hope to do as well, or even better, he admits, aware of the difficulty.
The first two years I had good speed.
It was due to a little talent, to the glide and to the fact of having sailed on a lot of different supports.
But now even though I'm still in the fast boats, there is a lot more consistency in terms of speed.
That's why I tested things this winter.
Like a new jib.
To remain on its achievements is a mistake ”.
Son of Philippe Laperche, dentist who competed in three Solitaires du Figaro in the 90s, and crew trainer of Laurent Bourgnon, close to Thomas Coville and Steve Ravussin, Tom was lucky in his youth to be able to board the multihulls of these sailors. of legend as he discovered life on his Optimist.
And he dreams of following in the wake of Laurent Bourgnon, double winner of the Route du rhum after winning the Solitaire 1990?
from its first (and only) participation.
Third last year in the Solitaire, the one presented as the new nugget of sailing, must confirm its status.
“I know it's not easy to get a podium again on the Solitaire.
But doing better is second or first, "he laughs, aware of having to strengthen his game, according to the famous expression of Aimé Jacquet during the 1998 World Cup." Last year, I made conservative choices, which allowed me to sign three stages between 5th and 7th place.
To win, you have to differentiate yourself from everyone else, so you have to take a little more risk.
And I am ready to be more incisive.
I have made good progress in building confidence, managing pressure and dealing with my emotions.
I think I am better in preparation and in weather analysis, but I do not forget that in Figaro you have to be careful ”.
“I love competition but my passion is being at sea, on the water. I really like the adventure part. "
Tom laperche
As we can see, the young sailor seems sure of himself, determined to shine at the highest level in the queen of races on equal terms.
Before lining up, in order to win it, in the Vendée Globe, this round the world trip that already makes him dream.
“I followed very closely the first two and the last weeks.
It was exciting because it was very tight.
And my desire to go there has grown over the last few months.
The Figaro is a very good preparation for the Vendée Globe, but so is the Multi 50.
The high speed in a multihull provides an enormous adrenaline rush.
After the Vendée Globe, it's not just a race, you need a lot of desire to go there.
I love competition but my passion is being at sea, on the water.
I really like the adventure part.
"
So the path seems well traced towards the round the world, Tom Laperche is he looking towards the next edition in 2024 or the next in 2028?
“I'm trying to find contacts to prepare for the post-Figaro race on big boats, but the Vendée Globe is still a distant dream.
I don't know if I am thinking of the next edition or the next.
"
Vincent Riou interested
To wait (at least) four years, and become the Kylian Mbappé of the oceans, the Breton will be able to meet a hero of the round the world during this Solo Maître CoQ (regattas this Monday and Tuesday then start of the big race Thursday for a finish final Saturday) then the Solitaire du Figaro (start on August 22).
Vincent Riou, winner of the Vendée Globe 2004, makes his comeback on the Figariste circuit, to “sail with young sailors, like Tom Laperche.
I have a lot to learn from them, from their new approach, from their culture ”… The person concerned appreciates the compliment:“ It is a source of pride if he really said that.
I spoke with him on the pontoons about the technical approach, it was really interesting.
He is very strong in the field and has a global vision to move a boat forward.
»And thus to win races.
The match between Vincent Le Terrible (nickname given by Jean Le Cam) and Tom who is not an inch (not to mention all the experienced leaders of the circuit) promises to be exciting to follow.
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The Solitaire du Figaro 2021 in direct line with the Vendée Globe