The Breton skipper approaches the next Route du Rhum with a brand new multihull still in the development phase, but remains a dangerous outsider.
Charles Caudrelier, winner of the last edition of the Route du Rhum, is preparing to defend his title on a brand new boat, the Gitana 18. A major challenge for the Breton skipper who must tame an Ultim not yet fully proven.
The defending champion does not hide his caution. While the Gitana 18 represents a promising machine, recent trials have revealed the need for adjustments. "In certain conditions, I can compete for the win," he confided with calculated caution. This restraint contrasts with the confidence that inhabited him during his previous triumph.
The weeks leading up to the departure, scheduled for November 1st, will be crucial for the Gitana team. Every hour spent on the water will allow them to gain confidence and familiarity with this next-generation multihull. The technicians are working tirelessly to optimize performance while ensuring the reliability needed to face the Atlantic.
However, direct competitors are watching the situation closely. Several contenders for the crown have more seasoned vessels and more extensive experience with their respective machines. The game has changed since 2022, and Caudrelier knows this better than anyone.
Yet, underestimating the 50-year-old sailor would be a mistake. Still waters run deep, and the appetite for victory remains intact. The history of the Route du Rhum is full of examples where the defending champion, even when in difficulty, managed to seize the opportunity at the decisive moment.
The defending champion does not hide his caution. While the Gitana 18 represents a promising machine, recent trials have revealed the need for adjustments. "In certain conditions, I can compete for the win," he confided with calculated caution. This restraint contrasts with the confidence that inhabited him during his previous triumph.
The weeks leading up to the departure, scheduled for November 1st, will be crucial for the Gitana team. Every hour spent on the water will allow them to gain confidence and familiarity with this next-generation multihull. The technicians are working tirelessly to optimize performance while ensuring the reliability needed to face the Atlantic.
However, direct competitors are watching the situation closely. Several contenders for the crown have more seasoned vessels and more extensive experience with their respective machines. The game has changed since 2022, and Caudrelier knows this better than anyone.
Yet, underestimating the 50-year-old sailor would be a mistake. Still waters run deep, and the appetite for victory remains intact. The history of the Route du Rhum is full of examples where the defending champion, even when in difficulty, managed to seize the opportunity at the decisive moment.
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Source: Ouest-France