Retractable Y-shaped foils, adjustable in three dimensions

Inspired by the appendages of the America's Cup foiling monohulls, these Y-shaped foils have a wingspan of over 5 metres. They are designed to generate powerful lift, increase power and offer a wide range of adjustments to optimise flight at every point of sail and in all conditions. Beyond their impressive size, these foils feature many unique innovations.

Revolutionary U-shaped rudders

These are probably the most visually striking innovations on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. To fly high above rough seas while maintaining control, the team wanted very long rudders that would remain in contact with the water. The challenge is that longer rudders tend to flex under load, severely affecting steering and the efficiency of their lifting surfaces. A new geometry was needed to give these appendages maximum stiffness, resist cavitation and ultimately improve control of the boat and make better use of its power. The result is a set of U-shaped rudders over 4 metres long, a metre longer than those on Gitana 17. Their shape, reminiscent of a tripod or an inverted π, is only the visible part of what makes them so distinctive.

A daggerboard optimised to stabilise the boat and limit cavitation

With its wide span, the daggerboard resembles an aircraft tail assembly, with two adjustable flaps: one on the vertical section and the other on the horizontal section, the distinctive “manta-ray wing”. On Gitana 18, the innovation is to position this wing behind the vertical part of the appendage, rather than directly beneath it, to minimise flow disturbance and cavitation.

Rig: adjustable spreaders to control mainsail power while sailing

Gitana 18’s mast is 1.50 metres taller than its predecessor’s. The boom is also shorter, creating a more slender sail plan. The major innovation is a set of spreaders that can be adjusted while sailing to bend the mast fore and aft. Actuated by hydraulic rams, these spreaders can pivot through 35 degrees to adjust the bend in the middle of the mast. This unprecedented system allows the sailor to control mainsail power: adding depth in light winds to take off sooner, or flattening the sail to reduce power at high speed or in strong winds. Adjusting the depth, and therefore the power, of the mainsail can also save a solo sailor time and energy by reducing the need for risky manoeuvres or headsail changes.

Central hull:
an integrated, structural coachroof

The naval architects and Gitana design team wanted an exceptionally stiff, structurally robust platform. This applies both to the floats, which must withstand heavy loads from the foils and rudders, and to the central hull, which is subject to torsion. The enclosed coachroof is integrated into the hull and contributes to its structural strength. Inside, the cockpit brings all sail-handling controls together, with ergonomics shaped by many hours of design and development. The coachroof also stands out for the number and size of its windows. This configuration meets the visibility requirements of the Ultim class rules and gives sailors the best possible view to keep a visual watch.

14.01.2026

Launch of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.

par Gitana

On 3 December, after many months of work, the sense of expectation palpable, the veil was lifted on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. An innovative architectural concept, revolutionary appendages and an outline as remarkable as it is elegant, the grand reveal of the latest addition to the legendary Gitana lineage made a lasting impression. Since that time, enthusiasts, competitors and seasoned observers have been eagerly awaiting news of the 32-metre giant’s exit from the yard and subsequent launch. As such, to give fans of large multihulls and the general public the opportunity to discover Gitana 18 first-hand as she makes her way over to the pontoon and her port of registry in Lorient, the five-arrow racing stable has set a date in Lorient La Base on Saturday 14 February 2026, weather permitting! Further details about timing will be announced shortly.

GITANA 18, focus on this new giant’s major innovations

Like her predecessor, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild aims to carve out a whole new path by making the switch from hybrid mode to being fully airborne, and to be at the forefront of a new generation of ever more high-performance large oceanic trimarans. To achieve this, it was necessary to brave the still uncharted territory, come up with novel concepts and trial a series of innovative solutions.

With this new boat, the five-arrow team, its design office and Team Verdier have signed up for a bold creative journey. They have brought to life a giant with a whole new look: a polymorphic creature upon which a plethora of moving parts can be tweaked, deployed or retracted.

Indeed, the appendages on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild herald a significant breakthrough in a host of domains. They are the result of many months of brainstorming, creation and testing, culminating in a whole new set of utterly unique geometries, systems and tweaking opportunities.

Retractable Y-foils and three-dimensional trimming
Inspired by the appendages on the flying monohulls of the America’s Cup, these Y-foils equipped with a wing spanning more than 5 metres have been designed to generate considerable lift, boost power and permit a number of different trimming options in order to optimise flight on every point of sail, in all manner of conditions.

Revolutionary rudders, whose U-shaped rudders are geared to withstand cavitation.

The central hull’s centreboard and large-scale lifting surface are a radical departure from anything that has been designed before on this type of boat.

The rig on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild also stands out through the presence of spreaders whose dynamic forces can be adjusted, enabling the spar to bend to alter the power in the mainsail whilst sailing: a world first on this scale.

The cockpit and coachroof have been structurally integrated with the central hull to give it maximum stiffness: a concept and implementation specific to Gitana.

On paper based on thousands of tests carried out in a simulator, the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild ticks all the boxes with a 10 to 15% gain in speed expected. Now, all that remains is to get to grips with and tame this otherworldly creature in real-world conditions.

This culture of innovation and boldness is intrinsically linked to the history of the Gitanas, and to the philosophy of its owners, embodied today by Ariane de Rothschild and her daughters. The new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is the twenty-eighth boat in this legendary maritime saga, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.

A veritable work of art at the service of offshore flight

From its design to its construction, the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is the fruit of a group’s intelligence and expertise. Hundreds of specialists have been brought in to bring this sensational giant offshore racing trimaran to life.

– 200,000 hours of construction
– 50,000 hours of study
– 80% of the platform manufactured in an autoclave
– 36-month gestation
– More than 200 people involved in the Gitana 18 project

Watch the video

Retourner aux articles

Heritage