Gitana : écurie de course au large fondée par le Baron Benjamin de Rothschild

Saturday 18 November 2023

The Maxi Edmond de Rothschild heads back out to sea

Late last Tuesday in Martinique, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild crossed the finish line of the Transat Jacques Vabre - Normandie Le Havre. Charles Caudrelier and Erwan Israël secured third place in the ULTIM category after more than 16 days at sea. Their podium place came as the result of a brave struggle and with hindsight the duo made no secret of their pride at getting their injured animal safely dockside in Fort-de-France. Four days later, thanks to some exemplary work by her shore team, the five-arrow giant has been able to set a course for home and her base with a view to a rapid refit and, most importantly, the singlehanded round the world race, the Arkea Ultim Challenge.

The solidarity and efficiency of the members of Gitana Team

Throughout their course between Le Havre and Martinique, Charles Caudrelier and Erwan Israël had to contend with a boat, which was no longer able to race at her full potential, due to being deprived of two key pieces. Indeed, very early on in the race, the crew discovered problems with the helming system, which hampered performance. At the finish in Fort-de-France, the shore team on site very quickly got to the root cause of the difficulties, namely damage to the starboard rudder float, which was seriously damaged, very likely in the opening minutes of the race. To port, the foil has also been highly impacted, as has the fairing on the beam.

In just three days, Gitana Team’s shore crew has toiled non-stop and worked miracles. This Saturday then, the five-arrow Maxi is heading back out to sea, bound for her port of registry in Lorient, Brittany, which she’s set to reach in a week’s time.

“The team has done an incredible job to ensure that the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild can quickly set sail again for her home port of Lorient. Our team’s strength lies in the fact that we know how to step up to the plate at key moments like this,” admitted Cyril Dardashti, who has headed the Gitana Team for the past 15 years. “This team likes a challenge and it proves that time and time again. Thank you to them,” concluded Charles Caudrelier, who is leaving the helm of Gitana 17 to his co-skipper Erwan Israël for this return delivery trip.

With 50 days until the start of the Arkea Ultim Challenge, the first round the world race specially designed for ULTIMs, and the first such singlehanded race, the countdown is on to the start in Brest on 7 January 2024. As such, the team is fully mobilised to complete the express refit and be on the next starting line.