First flight Gitana 18
They might have been involved in major grand prix offshore racers before, but getting Gitana 18 up onto her foils for the first time was a very big deal for the team.
Video: Gitana 18 flies for the first time
The painstaking process of working up the new Gitana 18 Ultim trimaran to full functionality reached a major milestone this week with the 32-metre multihull completing taking flight for the first time – albeit only fitted with one foil.
On board Gitana 18 with skipper Charles Caudrelier
It's been one of the big stories of the year already and the boat is not even flying yet. Gitana 18 is an extraordinary project that looks set to take offshore foiling onto another level. PlanetSail's Matt Sheahan stepped aboard to quiz skipper Charles Caudrelier about this spectacular boat.
Podcast: Sébastien Sainson – Gitana Team design director
My guest on the latest edition of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is Sébastien Sainson – design director of the French Gitana Team, which recently launched its latest generation Maxi Edmond de Rothschild Ultim trimaran – Gitana 18.
PlanetSail: Next Gen Beasts
Two big launches at opposite ends of the world. On top, the 32m Ultim trimaran Gitana 18 headed out from her base in Lorient on the west coast of France for her maiden sail. Down under the Kiwis slipped their dock lines in Auckland to take their newly reconfigured AC75 out for its first sail.
Could you sail this alone?
Why the new Gitana 18 could be the fastest offshore boat ever built and how to sleep at 40 knots – on your own. PlanetSail's Matt Sheahan dives into the detail after last weekend's launch of the latest Edmond de Rothschild Maxi in Lorient.
First look: Gitana 18, the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
After many months of work, high expectation and closely guarded secrets, the new Gitana/Verdier-designed Maxi Edmond de Rothschild was unveiled today in Lorient, Brittany.
The Famous Project CIC Jules Verne Trophy attempt set to start on Saturday
Alexia Barrier's eight–women 'The Famous Project CIC' challenge for the Jules Verne Trophy is set to begin on Saturday.