New Era In Oceanic Racing Trimarans Erupts As Gitana 18 Takes Its First Successful Sail

An exciting chapter unfolded for maritime innovation as the revolutionary 32m Maxi Edmond de Rothschild offshore racing trimaran Gitana 18 makes a successful first sail. This triumphant sail, which followed her initial launch, sets the stage for a promising next phase in the development of this unprecedented vessel. The trimaran was first introduced to the world in early December 2025 in the craftsmen’s shed in Lorient, Brittany. She was unveiled in all her splendour for the first time on 14 February 2026, and has since been the captivating subject of the technical team’s tireless efforts to perfect the mechanical systems, onboard hydraulics, and electronics.

What sets Gitana 18 apart from all its predecessors is its capability to transit from hybrid mode to full-fledged flight. Standing at the vanguard of next-generation, high-performance, oceanic trimarans, Gitana 18 further enhances her performance with a wide spectrum of adjustable elements. Detailed characteristics include a 23-metre beam, a nine square metre cockpit floor, a living area of 4.8m2 and an aerodynamic surface of 73m2. A noteworthy characteristic is her retractable Y-shaped foils, starkly reminiscent of the flying monohulls of the America’s Cup. They are the foundation of an optimised flight for all points of sail. One would also notice revolutionary rudders, a redesigned central daggerboard on the central hull, and a reimagined rig with adjustable spreaders enabling the mast to bend and modify mainsail power — a first on the world stage for trimarans of this scale.

Simulator prognostics foretell that Gitana 18 could out-speed its precursor, Gitana 17, by a thrilling 10 to 15 per cent. ‘Gitana 18’ is her christened name, while its racing name is ‘Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.’ This maiden sail marks a significant milestone that testifies to the hard work and ambitious vision of the dedicated team. A palpable sense of expectation now surrounds this innovative vessel, with maritime enthusiasts keen to see her in full flight, realising her immense potential.