Gitana Team Launches Groundbreaking 104-Foot Trimaran for Speed Records

The Gitana Team has unveiled its latest creation, the **Maxi Edmond de Rothschild**, a 104-foot trimaran that is set to challenge existing offshore sailing speed records. This state-of-the-art vessel is projected to be **10 to 15% faster** than its competitors, marking a significant advancement in multihull design and technology.

The launch event took place in **Lorient, France**, where team members celebrated the culmination of years of hard work and innovation. Ariane de Rothschild, a key figure in the Gitana Team, expressed her excitement about the project. “Within my family, we’ve always enjoyed a passion for competition, performance, and technological disruption,” she stated. “This is fully in line with our philosophy.”

Development of the **Maxi Edmond de Rothschild** began in **2017**, when the team committed to creating a vessel capable of achieving near-continuous flight during offshore races. This ambition is unprecedented in the world of sailing, where no other raceboat has maintained such performance over long distances.

The design features significant innovations, particularly in its foil system. Inspired by **America’s Cup** technology, the trimaran employs massive Y-foils that generate substantial lift while minimizing drag. This allows for multiple trimming options, optimizing performance across various sailing conditions. Many elements of this design are currently in the patent process, showcasing the team’s commitment to innovation.

The vessel’s rudders are uniquely designed to enhance speed and control while preventing cavitation, a common challenge in high-speed sailing. The high-lift centerboard distinguishes the trimaran from any previously built offshore multihull. Additionally, the mast is engineered to be adjustable while sailing, allowing the crew to modify mainsail power on demand. The overall structural integrity is enhanced by integrating the cockpit and coachroof with the central hull.

Skipper **Charles Caudrelier**, known for his extensive experience in offshore sailing, is optimistic about harnessing the trimaran’s capabilities in real-world conditions. He expressed hopes of achieving “as close to perfect flight as possible,” aiming for average sailing speeds nearing **40 knots**, even in waves reaching **3 meters**.

The trimaran’s sleek design, with aesthetics developed in collaboration with the **Palais de Tokyo**, conveys a sense of speed even while stationary. This combination of technology and artistry positions the **Maxi Edmond de Rothschild** as a frontrunner in the quest for offshore speed records.

As the sailing community anticipates the upcoming challenges for the Gitana Team, the launch of the **Maxi Edmond de Rothschild** signals a new era in competitive sailing. With the potential to redefine speed benchmarks, the excitement surrounding this vessel is palpable, and the world will be watching closely as it sets sail in future competitions.