A far cry from received ideas, which would suggest that technology considerably reduces the importance of humans on these latest generation machines, piloting remains a key element in success aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. A top-flight exercise at very high speeds, helming the latest addition to the Gitana fleet at over 40 knots day and night is quite an art. That’s why Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas were keen to surround themselves with versatile sailors as much at ease trimming as helming.