Edmond de Rothschild Sets Sail: The Maxi Gitana 18 Takes the Route du Rhum

The Route du Rhum stands as one of ocean racing's most celebrated single-handed transatlantic challenges, a competition steeped in maritime legend and the pursuit of velocity across the Atlantic. On 1 November 2026, that tradition gains a remarkable new chapter as Charles Caudrelier embarks from Saint Malo aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, a gleaming 32 metre foiling trimaran representing the latest evolution in the Gitana racing programme.

For the private banking institution Edmond de Rothschild, this competition marks far more than a sporting endeavour. It represents a continuation of a competitive heritage that stretches back two decades, a commitment to innovation in marine engineering, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the family's broader legacy.

A Triumphant Lineage

The Gitana team has long occupied an extraordinary place within the Route du Rhum's history. In 2006, Lionel Lemonchois secured victory aboard Gitana 11, establishing the foundation for what would become an enduring competitive presence. That success was eclipsed in spectacular fashion when Caudrelier himself triumphed in 2022, piloting Gitana 17 to the finish in Guadeloupe in six days, nineteen hours, forty-seven minutes and twenty-five seconds—a record-setting performance that rewrote the benchmark for the entire race.

The Vessel: Gitana 18

The new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild represents a profound leap in racing yacht design. The trimaran features Y-foils and U-shaped rudders, technologies that elevate the hull clear of the water, transforming both speed and handling characteristics. At 32 metres in length, Gitana 18 embodies the frontier of foiling design, merging hydrodynamic innovation with the demands of long-distance ocean racing. Remarkably, this inaugural campaign marks the vessel's first competitive outing, a daring introduction to one of the sport's most demanding courses.

Caudrelier's Challenge

In selecting Charles Caudrelier to helm Gitana 18, Edmond de Rothschild has entrusted the competition to a sailor whose credentials are beyond question. The skipper arrives as the defending champion, a status that carries both the weight of expectation and the opportunity to inscribe his name once more into the race's storied record books. The transatlantic crossing, spanning over 3,000 nautical miles to Pointe à Pitre, demands not only technical mastery but also an intimate understanding of meteorological strategy, risk management and the psychology of solitary ocean racing.

Engagement and Legacy

Beyond the professional crew, Edmond de Rothschild has extended an invitation for spectators to participate in this year's Route du Rhum through Virtual Regatta, the official gaming platform of the race. This approach democratises the experience of competitive sailing, allowing participants worldwide to navigate the same strategic decisions, weather patterns and tactical choices that confront Caudrelier in real time, mile after mile across the Atlantic. It represents a modern interpretation of how a venerable institution might engage with a global audience while honouring the traditions of ocean racing itself.

The departure on 1 November will mark not merely the beginning of another transatlantic race, but a demonstration of how heritage and innovation converge in pursuit of maritime excellence. For Edmond de Rothschild, Gitana 18 embodies the institution's enduring commitment to competitive sailing and the timeless allure of the open ocean.

Key Facts

• Vessel: Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (Gitana 18), 32 metre foiling trimaran
• Skipper: Charles Caudrelier
• Race Start: 1 November 2026, 13:02 (Saint Malo)
• Destination: Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe
• Defending Record: Charles Caudrelier won 2022 Route du Rhum aboard Gitana 17 in 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, 25 seconds
• Previous Victory: Lionel Lemonchois won 2006 Route du Rhum aboard Gitana 11

The Simply Luxury View

This competition underscores how certain institutions leverage their heritage to pursue not wealth accumulation but the refinement of human endeavour and technological mastery. Edmond de Rothschild's investment in the Gitana programme reflects a philosophy centred on excellence, innovation and the sponsorship of sporting achievement—values that transcend commercial return and speak instead to a philosophy of stewardship and legacy.

The Route du Rhum remains one of sailing's most exacting tests, and the deployment of a new foiling trimaran on its maiden race demonstrates both confidence and ambition. For collectors of maritime achievement and those drawn to the intersection of institutional heritage and competitive sport, this campaign represents a significant moment in contemporary ocean racing.

Official brand website: edmondederothschild.com

Imagery is used for editorial purposes. All rights remain with the respective owners, photographers and licensors.

Imagery courtesy of Edmond de Rothschild (@edmondderothschild).