New trimaran set for Route du Rhum

The new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, a 32-meter-long trimaran from the Gitana team, is set to start on November 1st in the Route du Rhum from Saint-Malo. This will be the first time the vessel competes in racing, and it is the latest creation of the Gitana team, representing the Ultim class. Charles Caudrelier, the 52-year-old sailor who previously won the Rhum in 2022, will be on board, hoping to retain his title. The boat, which was moored in the port of Lorient since mid-February, is described as a very promising and innovative vessel, launched only a few months ago.

Historical significance and innovation

The boat is the 18th of its name, the result of two years of construction, and is expected to mark a revolution in ocean racing. Caudrelier noted that he has sailed very little on the boat and will not arrive as a favorite, but with a new formidable weapon. He emphasized that he is not lining up to be a figurehead.

Development delays and technical challenges

The development of the boat faced delays. Initially scheduled to start its first race at the end of 2025, the Transat Café L'Or, it only took its first tacks at the very beginning of spring 2026. According to Cyril Dardashti, director of the Gitana team, the implementation of the foils was longer than expected, with some failures. These Y-shaped appendages, inspired by those used in the America's Cup, are supposed to allow the sailboat to be more powerful in various conditions.

Focus on reliability and performance

Dardashti stated that all the systems work, including the hydraulics and the electronics, and that each outing makes them progress. However, he admitted that the boat is not yet at 100% of its performance and that modifications will be made after the race. The team prioritized reliability, as it is a solo transatlantic race and they do not want to leave Charles stranded in the middle of the Atlantic.

Challenges and expectations

With only 7,000 miles sailed, a large part with only one of the two foils installed for the race, and little solo practice for Caudrelier, the team is ambitious but remains lucid about the challenge. Dardashti noted that historically, no boat launched a few months before has won the Route du Rhum, comparing it to arriving at the Olympics with much less training and no competition.

Competitive reactions and future vision

The new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild did not participate in the 24 H Ultim at the end of September, which was won by Tom Laperche on SVR Lazartigue. Laperche, the favorite of the race, said it was strange to prepare to face an opponent that they had seen very little of, but they focused on themselves and were eager to learn more about the first tacks of the Rhum. He described the new trimaran as magnificent, visually and technologically, and said it makes the research offices of all competing teams think.

Expert insights and future implications

Anthony Marchand, who sails on Actual, the former Gitana 17, noted that it is difficult to make a boat like this reliable in six months, but he is unsure if it is very serious, as it is a development not only for the Route du Rhum but also a vision of the future of offshore racing.