When SVR-Lazartigue lifts onto her foils and accelerates past 40 knots, she doesn’t just move fast—she rewrites the playbook of ocean racing. At 32 metres long and 23 metres across, this Ultim-class trimaran is one of the most advanced multihulls ever built. Her signature blend of aerodynamic finesse, structural innovation, and raw power has earned her a growing list of accolades and admirers since her launch in 2021.
Designed by renowned naval architects VPLP and constructed by MerConcept in Brittany, SVR-Lazartigue is the brainchild of a design and engineering philosophy that values both speed and sustainability. Built from lightweight carbon composites and equipped with L-foils that deliver exceptional lift and control, the vessel also carries 20 solar panels and two compact wind turbines to power onboard systems. Backed by the Kresk Group, the boat’s campaign is as much about reducing environmental impact as it is about chasing records.
From the moment she hit the water, SVR-Lazartigue made her intentions clear. She’s not just racing—The trimaran she’s redefining the limits of what’s possible in offshore sailing.
Elite Crew, World-Class Leadership
At the helm of this futuristic craft is French skipper Tom Laperche. Still in his twenties, Laperche is already considered one of France’s most promising offshore sailors. Calm under pressure and razor-sharp in his tactics, he’s helped guide SVR-Lazartigue to a string of podium finishes, including second place in both the 2021 and 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre and the solo Route du Rhum in 2022.
Laperche is joined by a towering figure in ocean racing—Franck Cammas. With victories in the Volvo Ocean Race, Jules Verne Trophy, and countless transatlantic contests, Cammas brings a depth of experience and strategic insight few can match. Together, they lead a crack team of engineers, designers, data analysts, and shore crew—all working in tight sync to extract every ounce of performance from the trimaran.
A Kiwi Joins the Fold
The campaign took on an exciting new dimension in July 2025, when New Zealand’s Peter Burling joined the crew for the Rolex Fastnet Race. One of the most decorated sailors of his generation, Burling is a two-time America’s Cup winner, Olympic gold medallist, and nine-time 49er world champion. His mastery of high-performance foiling platforms made him a natural addition to the SVR-Lazartigue squad.
“When they contacted me, the decision to take part in the Rolex Fastnet Race was an easy one,” Burling told Yacht.de. “I’ve always loved offshore racing—that’s what drew me to The Ocean Race.”
Skipper Tom Laperche was quick to welcome Burling aboard. “His foiling experience is first class. He’s an excellent inshore sailor and I know he will bring a lot to the team.”
For Burling, the opportunity was as much about growth as it was about competition. “These boats are incredibly innovative and versatile,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to being back at sea and learning more about this exciting development class.”
Built to Perform, Engineered to Last
Every element of SVR-Lazartigue has been fine-tuned for speed, reliability, and endurance. Her carbon-fibre hulls were the result of over 150,000 build hours and nearly four years of development. Her 36-metre mast towers above an enclosed cockpit designed to reduce wind resistance and protect the crew from ocean spray at high speeds.
The foiling appendages are a critical piece of the puzzle—L-shaped daggerboards that lift the trimaran clear of the water, minimising drag and allowing sustained speeds well above 30 knots. Even at high pace, the control systems—hydraulics, electronics, and real-time data monitoring—ensure smooth handling.
Her sustainable design isn’t an afterthought. With solar panels integrated into the deck and wind turbines mounted aft, SVR-Lazartigue is capable of extended offshore voyages without burning fossil fuels. It’s an approach that aligns with the growing push for greener practices in global sailing.
A Trail of Records and Results
In just four years, SVR-Lazartigue has built an impressive résumé:
- July 2021: Launched in Concarneau, France.
- November 2021: Second place in the Transat Jacques Vabre.
- July 2022: Winner of the Dhream Cup; set a new record between Marseille and Carthage.
- November 2022: Runner-up in the solo Route du Rhum.
- July 2023: Set the Fastnet multihull record at 1 day, 8 hours, and 38 minutes.
- November 2023: Another second place finish in the Transat Jacques Vabre.
- Mid-2025: Underwent major refit and team expansion.
- July 2025: Rolex Fastnet Race with Burling and Cammas on board.
Eyes on the Horizon
SVR-Lazartigue is more than a trophy hunter. She serves as a floating R&D lab, testing the next generation of high-speed sailing technologies under real-world conditions. From foils to flight control systems, she helps shape what the future of offshore racing will look like.
As the team looks ahead to more transatlantic showdowns and a return to the Route du Rhum, SVR-Lazartigue stands as a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets determination. With Peter Burling adding Kiwi firepower to an already formidable crew, this flying trimaran looks set to stay at the sharp end of ocean racing.
