Ushering in new era for offshore racing

First announced in December 2023, the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, bearing the project name Gitana 18, is soon to be revealed.

At 32-metre long and 23-metre wide, the carbon giant has been taking shape hidden from view behind the doors of the CDK Keroman shed in Lorient, France.And when she splashes this coming December, her intent is not to sail around the world. It is to fly.

Every element – from foils and appendages to structure and onboard systems – has been designed to deliver stability, reliability and endurance at high speeds. More than 50,000 hours of study and 200,000 hours of construction have been dedicated to creating the platform.

“The boat will fly 100% of the time — we didn’t just adapt an existing concept; we reinvented it,” said Sébastien Sainson, Head of the Gitana Design Office. – Full report

MORE: An exclusive behind-the-scenes video series follows the team from conception to launch.