After eight years of spectacular success and nearly 200,000 miles sailed, Gitana 17, the legendary maxi-trimaran of the Gitana Team, is embarking on a new chapter. Acquired by Actual group, this flagship of ocean racing is now known as Actual Ultim 4, ready to continue its story within the ULTIM Class. Meanwhile, a Gitana 18 is already in the works...
January 22, 2025, marks a key milestone in the history of Gitana 17. The trimaran, which revolutionized offshore sailing with its flying capabilities around the globe, has been purchased by Actual group. Samuel Tual, the group's president and a major player in the nautical industry for two decades, expresses his determination to strengthen their position through this acquisition.
Anthony Marchand will take over from Charles Caudrelier at the helm of the renamed trimaran, Actual Ultim 4. Marchand has shared his deep connection to the boat:
“Gitana 17 is the boat of my life. It reignited my passion for racing and brought me the greatest solo victories of my career.”
Gitana 17 has achieved memorable victories, such as winning the Route du Rhum in 2022 and dominating the Arkea Ultim Challenge, the first solo round-the-world race for these large flying multihulls.
Ariane de Rothschild, leading the Gitana Team, has emphasized the significance of this transfer for Gitana 17’s future while expressing a sense of nostalgia:
“This boat symbolizes the audacity, excellence, and innovation of our family. Parting ways with Gitana 17 tugs at the heartstrings, but it opens the door to new ambitions.”
Cyril Dardashti, the director of the Gitana Team, shares this sentiment:
“Imagining and developing Gitana 17 was a colossal endeavor. It’s a tremendous source of pride knowing that it will continue to script remarkable stories within the ULTIM fleet.”
If Gitana 17 is leaving the Gitana Team's fleet, the succession is already secured. In December 2023, Ariane de Rothschild announced the construction of a new maxi-trimaran, Gitana 18, in collaboration with CDK Technologies and Team Verdier.
This future giant of the seas, measuring 32 meters long and 23 meters wide, remains shrouded in mystery. Its launch is scheduled for September 2025, and according to Cyril Dardashti:
“This boat will be an architectural and visual masterpiece that will leave no one indifferent.”
Before passing the torch, Gitana 17 leaves behind impressive statistics:
- 170,000 hours of construction, including 35,000 hours of design;
- 200,000 nautical miles sailed since its launch;
- A top speed of 51.7 knots;
- 10 victories and 15 podium finishes out of 16 races.
By joining the ULTIM fleet under Actual group's banner, Gitana 17 continues its adventure. Anthony Marchand, at the helm, now has the task of upholding the prestige of this exceptional boat. For Samuel Tual and his team, it's an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to high-level sailing and aim for new heights.
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