Veteran French sailor Thomas Coville has claimed second place in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe aboard Sodebo Ultim 3, overcoming technical difficulties during the solo transatlantic race from Saint-Malo.
The 58-year-old finished behind fellow French skipper Tom Laperche aboard SVR-Lazartigue, whose record-breaking victory was reported by Afloat. Coville's result adds another podium finish to an offshore racing career spanning nearly three decades.
His performance was particularly notable given the technical setbacks reported aboard his giant trimaran, including damage to both foils and the loss of a large gennaker.
Ultim ambition: Thomas Coville's giant trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3 under sail during the Route du Rhum campaign, which saw the French skipper overcome technical setbacks to secure second place. Photo: Julien De Rosa
Experience Counts in Ultim Battle
Although Sodebo Ultim 3 faced stiff competition from newer, faster foiling trimarans, Coville used his considerable experience to remain among the leading contenders.
The race demanded difficult tactical decisions as the fleet negotiated changing Atlantic weather systems, with Coville balancing opportunities to gain ground against the need to protect his position. Afloat's report on the final approach described the difficult tropical conditions facing Coville and Louis Burton.
Foil struggle: Thomas Coville aboard Sodebo Ultim 3, whose Route du Rhum campaign was hampered by damage to both foils and the loss of a large gennaker as he battled to secure second place behind Tom Laperche. Photo: Julien De Rosa
Equipment damage further complicated his challenge, but he maintained his advantage over Burton, competing in the Ultim class after transitioning from IMOCA racing.
Another Podium for Coville
The result underlines Coville's longevity in offshore sailing and his ability to remain competitive against a younger generation of French multihull specialists.
His rivalry with race winner Laperche also reflects that generational change. Coville has known the younger skipper since childhood, when Laperche sailed aboard his ORMA trimaran.
With Benjamin Schwartz preparing for the 2028 Arkéa Ultim Challenge–Brest, Coville is also helping develop the next generation of offshore sailors while keeping his own future racing ambitions open.
