The Gitana Team came into being in 2000. In this way, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild drove forward the passion, initiated by his forebears over a century earlier, for top-level competition and created a genuine offshore racing stable, which was the only one of its kind at the time.
Devising, creating, modifying and repairing, such is the daily routine of the members of Gitana. Within the team’s technical base in Lorient, some twenty or so people work year round on the prototypes that make up the Gitana fleet. All the different skill sets are represented here: architecture, engineering, composite materials, hydraulics, rigging, deck hardware, electronics and on-board computers… The success of the sporting projects is also reliant on the ability of these veritable experts. The common denominator is that their work is also their passion.
Making his appearance in the Gitana Team in 2006 as Financial and Administrative Director, Cyril Dardashti went on to become the Team Manager in 2009. A veritable conductor, he makes a melodious ensemble of all the different skill sets within the group to ensure it is as homogenous as it is high performance, thus guiding the members of Gitana towards the highest steps of the podiums.
Behind the calmness and kindness that this native of Montpellier exudes, lies a very strong character. Able to manage schedules meticulously, guided by sound technical know-how and a recognised and sought-after expertise, such is Pierre Tissier’s hallmark.
An electronics and computing engineer in town and a trimmer at sea, Olivier Douillard is among the sailors who juggle two careers. Ranking among Sébastien Josse’s right-hand men, this native of Nantes has been supporting the skipper with his various projects since 2004. Now part of the team, he brings into play his expertise in terms of the sails and the performance of the different boats.
A deck hardware and hydraulics specialist, David Boileau is one of the team’s mainstays. A solid technician and a seasoned sailor, he is the boat captain of the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild, which means that he’s essentially Sébastien Josse’s technical support.
A trained mechanic, Alain Collecchia initially used his expertise in the domain of the big-engine rally cars. However, after ten or so years on the tarmac, he decided to treat his daughters to some fresh air, far away from Paris. In this way, he joined the offshore racing teams.
A proud Norman, Yann Le Govic joined the stable in 2004 as sailor aboard Gitana X. This is how he learned his trade as a rigger, a post that is really essential to the performance of the Gitana yachts and calls for absolute thoroughness, patience and rigour.
Meticulous and rigorous, Marie Dixneuf adds a feminine touch to the shore crew. Always passionate about design and skilled at manual work, this native of the Vendée-region has made carbon her speciality. It’s a discipline in which she excels, to the extent that she had an opportunity to practice her skills in the last America's Cup, the high-tech sailing benchmark.
Graduating from the Southampton institute of naval architecture in 2011, Sébastien Sainson joined the Gitana Team with the Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild project. Demonstrating unfailing motivation and enthusiasm and certainly not a clock-watcher, this youngster from northern France has proven his worth and earned his place within the design office, where he works on various projects for the five-arrow team.
A trusty member of the "Gitana" fold, Nathalie Barbedet joined the team in 2005. Always smiling and ready to listen, she assists Cyril Dardashti with all the accounting and administrative aspects and is on hand to welcome you to Lorient, HQ to the five-arrow team.
Though he’s a native of northern France, Cyril Ducrot could be described as Gitana’s Swiss army knife. From the team’s technical logistics to the preparation of the stable’s various craft, his versatility is matched only by his good humour.