Sleeping at 40 knots: Charles Caudrelier on racing Gitana 18 solo

The Foil has published a new video in which Andy Rice talks to Charles Caudrelier about racing the 32-metre flying trimaran Gitana 18 solo across the Atlantic. It was recorded before the Route du Rhum start, but it has become more relevant after the reported port foil damage to the boat during the race.

It's a rare look at how a solo Ultim skipper handles sleep, manoeuvres, autopilot and collision avoidance on a boat that can sail at 40 knots. If you follow the big foiling multihulls, it's well worth the time.

Sleeping at 40 knots: Charles Caudrelier on racing Gitana 18 solo

What does it take to race a 32-metre flying trimaran across the Atlantic alone?

Following the reported port foil damage to Gitana 18 during the Route du Rhum, Andy Rice looks back at his pre-race conversation with skipper Charles Caudrelier. From an autopilot that anticipates the boat's movements to sleeping at 40 knots, Charles explains the preparation, technology and trust behind solo Ultim racing.

We explore why manoeuvres take so long, how he manages sleep, what the OSCAR collision-avoidance system can—and can't—see, and the systems designed to prevent capsize.

This interview was recorded before the race. The discussion of previous collisions does not establish the cause of the latest foil damage.

READ MORE: https://thefoil.com/news/gitana-18-and-the-record-holder-who-says-he-isn-t-the-favourite-pt-1-6/

Video: The Foil