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The launch of a new boat never marks the end of a project. Rather, it is the true starting point. The latest video released by Gitana Team takes a deep dive into the development of Gitana 18, four months after its launch. It offers a glimpse into the day-to-day work of the sailors, engineers, architects, and technical partners as they strive to unlock the potential of the new Ultim ahead of the 2026 Route du Rhum.
A long period of preparation leading up to the competition
The first few sailings aren't about immediately pushing for top speed. The outings alternate between day trips and offshore voyages to evaluate the boat's performance under a variety of conditions. Each sail provides valuable insights into the adjustments needed for the foils, the mainsail, the rigging, and the onboard systems.
The team also points out that a new Ultim takes several years to reach its full potential. The experience gained with Gitana 17 is now being used to shorten this learning phase, without, however, skipping any of its essential steps.
Data now complements the sailors' experiences
One of the most interesting aspects of this video is the use of measurement tools. In particular, the Gitana Team relies on a LiDAR sensor developed in collaboration with MDS to create a three-dimensional model of the sails? shape while sailing. The data obtained is then compared to the design models created with North Sails.
This approach makes it possible to objectively evaluate settings that previously relied primarily on the judgment of the tuners and the crew's impressions. Technical decisions thus become more precise, while still being informed by the sailors' experience.
Simulators and sea trials complement each other
The boat's development does not rely solely on sea trials. The Gitana 18 has its own digital twin, which is used to simulate the behavior of the appendages, structures, and various settings before they are validated at sea.
But the engineers emphasize one point: no matter how advanced they may be, numerical models can never perfectly replicate the conditions encountered at sea. The data from the tests is therefore used to correct the simulations and gradually improve the models used by the design office. This continuous feedback loop between calculation and reality is now one of the cornerstones of the development of large flying multihulls.
Initial challenges are a natural part of development
The video does not gloss over the incidents that have occurred since the launch. In particular, a failure involving a foil cylinder is analyzed in detail by the technical teams. The cause of the problem is quickly identified, allowing the team to begin manufacturing new parts with the relevant partner and to adjust the testing schedule.
This transparency illustrates how today's offshore racing projects operate. Every incident becomes a source of information aimed at gradually improving the boat's reliability ahead of major events.
A multidisciplinary team focused on performance
As the images unfold, the preparation of Gitana 18 emerges as a collaborative effort in which different skill sets constantly intersect.
Architects, composite specialists, sailmakers, simulation engineers, electronics experts, equipment suppliers, and crew members compare their analyses on a daily basis to help improve the boat.
The video also highlights collaborations with other technology sectors, particularly at the VivaTech trade show, where Gitana Team presented its digital tools and discussed common challenges related to flight control, sensors, and data analysis with Rafale pilots from the French Navy.
More than just a logbook, this experience serves as a reminder that an Ultim?s performance does not depend solely on its design or the quality of its crew. It is the result of a long process of optimization, in which each voyage brings the boat a little closer to its expected performance level for major ocean races.
