A few months before the start from Saint-Malo, the performance director of SVR Lazartigue delivers his analysis of an Ultim class that has never been more competitive.
A few months before the start of the Route du Rhum 2026, scheduled for November 1st from Saint-Malo, Franck Cammas, performance director at SVR Lazartigue, stands out as one of the most authoritative observers of the Ultim class. Drawing on his incomparable experience in this category of high-tech trimarans, he shares his vision of the forces at play.
For Cammas, two names clearly stand out from the pack. The first is none other than Thomas Coville, an emblematic figure of the Ultime circuit, whose consistency and mastery of these complex machines make him a natural podium contender. The second, Armel Le Cléac'h, has demonstrated in recent races that he has what it takes to be a serious title challenger. These two sailors share a distinct advantage: an intimate knowledge of their machines and the ability to exploit them under varied conditions.
The Gitana unknown factor particularly intrigues the former skipper. The team, which has committed considerable investment in research and development, could well spring a surprise. Ultime sailing today relies as much on technological innovation as on the talent of the navigators, and Gitana's technical choices could make the difference in a race where every detail counts.
Cammas recalls that the Route du Rhum remains an unpredictable adventure. Weather conditions, fatigue management, and technical setbacks can overturn even the most established predictions. Saint-Malo will be the stage for a new chapter in the history of offshore racing, with sailors ready to push their limits across the Atlantic.
For Cammas, two names clearly stand out from the pack. The first is none other than Thomas Coville, an emblematic figure of the Ultime circuit, whose consistency and mastery of these complex machines make him a natural podium contender. The second, Armel Le Cléac'h, has demonstrated in recent races that he has what it takes to be a serious title challenger. These two sailors share a distinct advantage: an intimate knowledge of their machines and the ability to exploit them under varied conditions.
The Gitana unknown factor particularly intrigues the former skipper. The team, which has committed considerable investment in research and development, could well spring a surprise. Ultime sailing today relies as much on technological innovation as on the talent of the navigators, and Gitana's technical choices could make the difference in a race where every detail counts.
Cammas recalls that the Route du Rhum remains an unpredictable adventure. Weather conditions, fatigue management, and technical setbacks can overturn even the most established predictions. Saint-Malo will be the stage for a new chapter in the history of offshore racing, with sailors ready to push their limits across the Atlantic.
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Source: Ouest-France