Technical information
Gitana 11 is starting its 4th season in the stable's colours. Designed by Marc van Peteghem & Vincent Lauriot-Prévost in 2001, this real sea-going trimaran that's very much at home on ocean courses lived up to its excellent reputation last year by winning the Route du Rhum 2006 under the guidance of skipper Lionel Lemonchois. On its arrival at Pointe-à-Pitre, Gitana 11 looked as good as new. In 2003 and 2005, the boat also finished 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre.
Whereas last winter, Gitana 11 underwent major work at the Gitana Team base at Saint-Philibert (56) – the base of the central hull was cut to graft on new centreboard casing and most notably a new hull bottom – this year, the changes made have been of a much more cosmetic nature!
Mast : Change of staysail chain plate, resulting in a weight gain and a greater sail surface area Adjustment of rake on the hydraulic jack.
Plateform : Slight changes to deck layout so as to optimise certain situations, new helm system and modification of the centreboard casing and centreboard.
Plus a standard overhaul covering the rigging, hydraulic systems, electronics and inspection of the platform and appendices from a composite point of view.
In 2007, the boat will be skippered by Lionel Lemonchois and will take part in the Orma Championship that has as its high point the Transat Jacques Vabre, contested double-handed between le Havre and Bahia. Lionel will be accompanied in this escapade by Yann Guichard, who was his router during the Route du Rhum!
Lionel Lemonchois, skipper of Gitana 11: "She's a reliable and sound boat. I got to know her on last year's Route du Rhum and felt immediately at ease… it's important to have that kind of relationship of trust with one's boat, especially when setting out solo or double-handed."
