The Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild’s second test campaign
The story began in late 2013 with the arrival of the Transat Jacques Vabre and continues today with the second series of tests scheduled over the coming days offshore of Lorient. Last year, the team had already taken a big leap forward with the addition of asymmetric foils – one of which is L-shaped – with T-foil rudders. The positive conclusions of these test sails have prompted Gitana’s Design Office and Team Guillaume Verdier to take things further, given the extent to which Gitana XV has proven to be a fantastic laboratory for the maxi-multihull that is currently in the pipeline.
Relaunched on 25 February 2016, the Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild will take to the open ocean very soon once she has been kitted out with her new foils, which are appendages that have been designed to fulfil the Gitana Team’s brief of an oceanic trimaran capable of offshore flight.
The Day Before, 2016’s monthly meeting
The Vendée Globe, a legendary solo round the world race without stopovers and without assistance, is the flagship event of the 2016 race schedule for Gitana Team. However, this race, which needs no introduction, goes well beyond the sporting context alone given the extent of the unfailing commitment and effort required. In his meticulous preparation, Sébastien Josse is accompanied and supported by a team that is as closely-knit as it is competent; a group of men and women that work behind the scenes and without whom nothing would be possible. This year we will once again attempt to dive into the heart of their daily life and get the inside story on the five-arrow team.
After two seasons of good and faithful service, the “in the wake of the Gitana” magazine is giving way to a new web series that goes by the title “The Day Before”. On the 5th of every month, the members of the racing stable fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild invite you to get the low-down on the very latest news, with particular emphasis on how both the team and its skipper are raising their game in their bid to take on the Vendée Globe.
Gitana, 140 years of legend
Finally, it’s worth noting that 2016 also marks an important anniversary for the five-arrow team since Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild will celebrate the 140th anniversary of their family’s maritime commitment and passion throughout the Gitana fleet’s legendary history. The team already has some great surprises in store to mark the occasion.
Programme for the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild
Late March – relaunch
April – training sessions
2 May – start of The Transat (Plymouth – New York)
29 May – start from New York – Les Sables d’Olonne
6 November – start of the Vendée Globe