Gitana 18
Maxi Edmond de Rothschild launched, opening a new chapter in flying Ultim design
After more than two years in build, Gitana 18, the 32-metre Maxi Edmond de Rothschild has been launched, marking the culmination of an ambitious construction programme and the start of a new chapter for the Gitana Team.
In early December, Ariane de Rothschild unveiled the radical architectural concept of this pioneering flying Ultim trimaran in spectacular fashion. On Saturday 14 February, that vision became reality.
As if on cue, the persistent Breton rain and wind eased for a few precious hours, allowing the five-arrow team to complete the complex launch sequence. Sailing enthusiasts and offshore racing followers turned out in force at Lorient La Base to witness the arrival of the first yacht of the new generation of fully flying Ultim trimarans.
Precision engineering in the service of offshore flight
From initial concept to final build, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is the result of collective intelligence and expertise. Hundreds of specialists contributed to the creation of this exceptional offshore racing trimaran.
Key figures
- 200,000 hours of construction
- 50,000 hours of R&D
- 80% of the platform manufactured in an autoclave
- 36 months from concept to completion
- More than 200 people involved in the Gitana 18 project
View the full set of figures – CLICK HERE
Technical Specifications — Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
Length: 32 metres
Beam: 23 metres
Nets: 170 m²
Area of aerodynamic covers: 73 m²
Cockpit floor surface area for manouvering: 9 m²
Living area (floor surface area): 4.8 m²
Displacement: 19.5 tonnes
Number of appendages: 6
Height of float rudders: 4 metres
Foils span area: 10.4 metres
Foil bulb length: 2.4 metres
Sail area upwind: 450 m²
Sail area downwind: 630 m²
Aerial draft: 38.4 m
Electrical cables: 8 km
Number of sensors: 500
Total decorated surface (hulls and sails): 2,000 m²
The new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is the twenty‑eighth boat in this legendary maritime saga, which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in a few weeks.
