Gitana 18 damages foil in Route du Rhum while lying 4th
by Gitana Team 2 Nov 23:39 PST
2 November 2026
Gitana 18 © Y.Riou / polaRYSE / GITANA SA
The Gitana team is reporting that the Ultim 105ft foiling trimaran, Gitana 18 has suffered foil damage in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. The Gitana shore team is assessing the damage.
"This Tuesday morning, just before 5am, Charles Caudrelier alerted his team to damage encountered on the foil on board the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild", the team said in a social media statement.
"This major incident occurred while the skipper of the Gitana Team was sailing 400 miles north of the Azores, in a sea of 3m and a North wind of 20/25 knots. The latest of the Gitana fleet was then in 4th position on the Ultim in fleet of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe."
"The skipper is fine and the situation is under control."
"For now, supported by his team ashore, Charles Caudrelier is carrying out the necessary operations to secure the damaged foil while conducting more in-depth investigations on board to determine the extent of the damage. At the same time, his navigation cell is studying the various possible scenarios."
Earlier one competitor capsized, and was taken off by a passing freighter and another has dismasted. Two competitors suffered damage on the first day of the singlehanded race, after a collision.
For more on Gitana 18 sail-world.com/news/293726/Gitana-18-Maxi-Edmond-de-Rothschild-launched
Find out more and track the fleet at www.routedurhum.com