It is now official.
The French sailing federation has appointed Tom Laperche as French Elite Offshore Racing Champion, a title awarded after his fine performances on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit in 2021. Third in the recent Solitaire du Figaro on his boat Bretagne CMB - Performance, Tom Laperche ahead of Pierre Quiroga, winner of this Solitaire 2021, and Gildas Mahé.
With this first big title, the young 24-year-old skipper joins the list of big names like Michel Desjoyeaux, Armel Le Cléach and a certain François Gabart with whom he will compete in the Transat Jacques Vabre (departure from Le Havre for Fort-de-France on November 7) on the Ultim SVR-Lazartigue.
It is the consistency that pays off because I was on the podium in almost all the stages
Tom laperche
“
I am the 2021 French ocean racing champion… that's cool,
” said Laperche.
I was 4th in 2019, 2nd last year behind Armel (Le Cléac'h)… So winning this year with no less than 5 events in the championship is a great recognition of the work accomplished. Over a year, everyone has their slack and their successes. It is the consistency that pays off because I was on the podium in almost all the stages. I am satisfied with this season, I had a great time on the water. Being accompanied by Bretagne CBM is a chance. And I want to take full advantage of those years to have fun on the water. The dream would be to win the Solitaire next year!
"
Appointment is made for this new nugget of French offshore racing, greeted as it should by Corinne Migraine, vice-president of the FFVoile: “
Tom Laperche is a fine winner, just like Elodie Bonafous, 1st woman.
Both come from the “Bretagne - CMB” team piloted by the Finistère Course au Large Pole, which is having a good season
”.
Indeed Elodie Bonafous and Estelle Greck were crowned champions of France in the categories women and rookies.
The male ranking:
Tom laperche
Pierre Quiroga
Gilas Mahe
Martin Le Pape
Tanguy Le Turquais
Erwan Le Draoulec
Alxis Loison
Alan roberts
Pierre Leboucher
Tom Dolan ...
