A symbolic transmission
Built to pave the way for offshore sailing, Gitana 17, also known as the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, has become a benchmark for performance and innovation. With landmark victories including the Route du Rhum 2022 and the Arkéa Ultim Challenge in 2024, this trimaran has covered nearly 200,000 nautical miles since its launch in 2017.
For the Actual group, chaired by Samuel Tual, this purchase confirms a long-standing ambition in competitive sailing. Anthony Marchand succeeds Charles Caudrelier, the last skipper of Gitana 17, to pilot this iconic multihull.
Cyril Dardashti, manager of the Gitana Team, is delighted with this handover:
" We're delighted that this legendary boat is in the hands of the Actual Group, who share our passion for ocean racing. We wish them great victories... but not too many! "
Gitana 17: an outstanding track record
Since her launch in 2017, Gitana 17 has put in a string of performances, including 10 wins and 15 podium finishes in 16 races. She has also broken some impressive records, reaching a top speed of 51.7 knots.
Highlights include victory in the Route du Rhum 2022 (a new solo record) and triumph in the Arkéa Ultim Challenge 2024, the first single-handed round-the-world ULTIM race.
Gitana 18: the future of the line
While Gitana 17 is leaving the Gitana Team, its successor is already under construction. Gitana 18, a new 32-meter maxi-trimaran, is being built in partnership with CDK Technologies and Team Verdier.
This giant of the seas is scheduled for launch in September 2025. True to the Rothschild family's heritage of innovation and excellence, Gitana 18 promises to redefine the standards of ocean racing, with revolutionary architectural concepts and graphic identity.
A boat, a story
Gitana 17 will be remembered as the pioneer of flying multihulls designed for ocean racing. For Charles Caudrelier, who won some of his greatest victories aboard the boat:
" This boat made me want to race again, and gave me some unforgettable moments. She's legendary and far from the end of her story. "
With this handover, Gitana 17 will continue to write new pages in ocean racing, this time under the colors of Actual Ultim 4, while leaving room for Gitana 18 to perpetuate Gitana Team's spirit of daring and innovation.
