trimaran edmond de rothschild

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Video: Flying on the world’s largest foiling trimaran

Sailing team Gitana has released an on board video showing its new 32 metre maxi trimaran Edmond De Rothschild flying on her hydrofoils. As the footage below shows, all three hulls were lifted clear of the water on her sea trials despite weighing a total of 15.5 tonnes.

Speaking after a successful day on the water, Sébastien Josse of Gitana said, “We immediately saw that the boat was keeping her promises: stiff and safe and begging to unleash her power. The first time the boat took off was an incredible moment.

“We had 15-17 knots of breeze and flat seas, with waves of less than a metre — everything was in place to fly. Aboard the boat there was a mixture of excitement and surprise, as well as pride,” he added. “Even though we're only at the start, it's hugely satisfying to see that we're heading in the right direction.”

Launched back in July in the French port town of Vannes, Edmond De Rothschild has spent three years in development. Continuing their family’s sailing legacy, namesake descendants Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild were involved in the fit-out stage.

Built for speed, she lacks the creature comforts found on a multihull superyacht , but with an LOA of 32 metres, Edmond De Rothschild is the largest purpose-built foiling trimaran in the world — and more than double the length of the AC45 racing catamarans that competed at the America's Cup in Bermuda earlier this summer.

The ultimate aim is that Edmond De Rothschild will singlehandedly circumnavigate the globe in 2019-20. Before then, the team has set the intermediary goal of racing in the 2017 Transat Jacques Vabre, which departs from Le Havre on November 5.

Foiling technology was thrust into the global spotlight in 2013 during the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco and with the format of the 36th America’s Cup still undecided it is likely that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will be watching these developments with great interest.

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Revolutionary Gitana 17 trimaran to foil solo across oceans at 50 knots

• Elaine Bunting
• July 20, 2017

The most radical of the new Ultime trimarans, the incredible Gitana 17 is designed to foil at over 50 knots and cross up to 900 miles a day, crewed by just one solo skipper. Elaine Bunting talked to designer Guillaume Verdier at the launch

A revolutionary 100ft fully foiling oceangoing trimaran capable of covering more than 900 miles in a day and sailing at speeds of 50 knots was launched in Lorient this week. Designed by Guillaume Verdier, the foil genius behind the America’s Cup winning Emirates Team New Zealand , Gitana 17 is designed to be sailed solo and to beat the round the world record.

Gitana 17 is the latest of the race boats backed by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild. The 100ft ‘Ultime’ trimaran is the culmination of three years of work by the team and brings together developments from areas as diverse as the Vendée Globe IMOCA 60s, the America’s Cup and the MOD70 trimarans.

This is a beast of a boat and significantly different from others in the growing ‘Ultime’ development class such as François Gabart’s Macif  and Thomas Coville’s Sodebo . For the first time, this is a boat designed around foil performance.

According to the design team, Gitana 17 will be able to foil at speeds of 48-50 knots in 16-25 knots of true wind and seas of 6-8m – typical Atlantic conditions. It could also sail across the Southern Ocean in non-foiling mode at up to 40 knots.

“Foiling is not that [hard] but to do that and be stable in waves is a lot more difficult and this is a first stage to doing that,” explained Guillaume Verdier. “Previously the boats were designed to go offshore and slowly the foils got into that, but we have designed the appendages as a principal [part] and tried to have a platform that goes well with that.

“It makes a boat that is a little heavier because there are more systems to control the foil, more hydraulics and the platform is stiffer in torsion.”

Launched on 17 July from Multiplast, Gitana 17 is the new Ultime class built for Baron Edmond de Rothschild.

The foils on Gitana 17 share some common thinking with those on the America’s Cup boats – the outer float foils are an L-shape. The main daggerboard on the central hull, however, is a shape never seen before on these boats and features a large horizontal component to help with roll control.

The concepts were evolved through 2014 and 2015 on Gitana 15 , the MOD70 now known as Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati . The team fitted one hull with several foil shapes to understand their performance offshore. “One of the issues we had was that it was fairly unstable, rolling-wise, and an elevator on the stern [alone] would not be enough for singlehanded control. So we introduced this element, which is draggy but will help a lot,” explained Verdier.

The T-foil rudders on the outer hulls are an ingenious and complex solution and designed by the Gitana team. They feature elevators to adjust trim and are operated by hydraulic system monitored by electronic software. But they can also kick up if they collide with something in the water, and be raised out of the water.

The windward rudder is very exposed to slamming from waves when reaching, so can be lifted up, locked into the hull and disconnected from the control systems. A large housing that you can see in the photo below protects the rudder and controls.

Gitana 17 has the mast stepped in Lorient

Verdier says that these rudder foils are “a bit like the AC72 foils; they are auto-stable”.

He explained: “They behave a bit like a helicoil. When the boat raises up in the water it makes more leeway, and when it makes more leeway there is a component of the force that pushes you down. But the difference [with the America’s Cup boats] is that this is a huge foil compared to any other boat in the past.”

The 100ft Gitana 17 is designed to foil trans-ocean solo

According to Verdier, Gitana 17 could one day foil at more than 50 knots. “But when foiling we are limited by cavitation, so if wanted to go above that we’d need to have different profiles and aerodynamic aspects, and structure of the boat. It’s a bit of an unknown territory, but maybe we should be able to do 53 or 54 knots.”

The main aim of the designers, however, is to improve the boat’s average high speed potential, and Verdier says that Gitana 17 could reach 900 miles in 24 hours – the much bigger fully crewed 130ft catamaran Banque Populaire V holds the record of 908 miles. This could be an ultimate record-breaker, though the quiet-spoken French designer hesitates to say so. “I could pick any crazy number,” he smiles. “It’s pretentious to say. We have to wait a little.”

Gitana foiling trimaran luanch. Photo @Yvan Zedda/ GITANA SA.

Launch of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild – first foiling offshore trimaran

At 08:30 GMT this Monday, the first oceanic trimaran designed to fly offshore was launched in Vannes, south-west Brittany, under the proud gaze of her owners, Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild, her designers and builders, and of course the whole of Gitana Team supporting skipper Sébastien Josse.

It is 17.07.2017, the perfect date for the latest of five-arrow racing stable, which goes by the name of Gitana 17 for her christening ceremony. She’s set to compete in a series of XXL maritime events, both in single-handed and crewed configuration, under her race name, Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.

The public was also out in force, curious about the opportunity to discover this unique boat, which is a precursor of the latest generation multihulls that fly. Her sleek, ethereal forms as well as her appendages, all equipped with trim tabs (even the central daggerboard), are an invitation to voyage, at speed, along the long oceanic swell.

Indeed, this maxi-trimaran embodies the offshore racing universe and that of foiling, which is predominantly practiced within harbours, as is the case in the America’s Cup. In fact, it was Guillaume Verdier and his associates who worked in collaboration with the Gitana Team design office to create this new prototype. This French naval architect, who has just secured the silver ewer with the New Zealand team, was also behind the first foiling monohulls from the last Vendée Globe.

This same challenge was also taken up by the Gitana Team in 2015-2016 with the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild. Indeed, the ambition of flying offshore is part of a long-term strategy within the racing stable, as much in terms of research and development as on the water, where Sébastien Josse has been flying for a long while, on various craft.

The spectacle of the genesis of this extraordinary boat has taken 170,000 man-hours and a build process lasting over 20 months. Following her launch, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, a craft measuring 32 metres in length and 23 metres wide, then made for her home port of Lorient. This is where her mast was built and awaited her arrival, surrounded by all the people who manufactured the 35-metre spar capable of carrying up to 650m2 of sail area with precision, patience and expertise. Sails which, together with the hulls, form a genuine original work by American artist Cleon Peterson, which is totally unique. Indeed, under the impulse of Ariane de Rothschild, Gitana 17 has today become the largest off-the-wall work of the Lasco Project, an artistic project organised by the Palais de Tokyo as a dedication to urban arts.

In sporting terms, Sébastien Josse can now really get the chance to come face to face with this new machine. The skipper will now try to get his bearings, step by step, with humility, before setting sail across the Atlantic, on 5 November 2017, accompanied by Thomas Rouxel. This journey will be the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre yacht race between Le Havre and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Over the next two years, the skipper will notably participate in the Route du Rhum (2018) and then the first ever single-handed round the world race created for these Ultime multihulls (2019).

Devise, transpose, innovate Today’s multihulls fly, which means that they are held up out of the water thanks to appendages equipped with lifting surfaces, which act like the wings of a plane, albeit in the water. At the heart of this new mode of sailing, stability and reliability are key parameters in performance. Already, on 31 March 2016, the Gitana Team managed to get its Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild airborne. A first success on this one-design come test platform, which was followed up by today’s foiling Imoca monohull and the Maxi.

No fewer than 250 people from all manner of specialist trades across Europe, New Zealand and the United States have played their part in the creation of the maxi-trimaran. Team Verdier combined all its expertise with that of the members of Gitana Team’s design office, as well as an incredible network of service providers, particularly those from engineering and construction. Among them, Pixel Sur Mer (servo-control), C3 Technologies (bulkheads and appendages), Re Fraschini (foils), Lorima (mast), Multiplast (platform) and also Persico (cockpit). Leaving the yard is the first major step, but there is a long road ahead to discover her potential and learn to tame her. Over the coming weeks, there will be a series of tests for resistance under load, sail trials and debut flights. Like a bird that takes off alone away from the nest, prudence will be the order of the day.

A collective work of art and craftsmanship Onboard this boat, man has had a hand in everything. Laminators, hydraulics specialists, painters, experts in top-level ropework and many other professions make up this team of high-tech craftsmen and women, who rank among the world’s elite, and who have given their all in the bid to realise a common goal. As such, when the street artist Cleon Peterson designed his work on this immense canvas, Jean-Baptiste Epron adapted the original design so as it could be expressed in various weather conditions, namely under every sail configuration. The graphic artist-navigator has interpreted the livery of the Gitana boats since 2000, all based on the family coat of arms. In this way, the work by Cleon Peterson is very much in line with tradition, with the notable integration of the five Rothschild arrows brandished by its warriors. The ‘Gitane’ is present too, embodied as a Greek goddess carrying the globe to reflect the round the world journey, which the boat will soon embark on. Finally, another powerful symbol, the four warriors represent Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild’s daughters and convey the much cherished family notion of passing things down.

QUOTES Ariane de Rothschild, owner of Gitana Team “This trimaran is a fantastic way to carry on the 140-year history of the Gitana boats and the research and development within our family. The Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is the culmination of serious consideration, both on a technological and aesthetic level. It is the story of a continuous quest and a series of experiments, notably that carried out on the trimaran Gitana XV, then again on Gitana 16 (a foiling monohull for the Vendée Globe). Thanks to Cleon Peterson’s designs, this trimaran also champions art and provides a fabulous sounding board for what we’re doing through our foundations, which deal with matters such as integration, urban violence and philanthropy. For all these reasons, this boat beautifully champions the values, which our family has supported for generations.”

Benjamin de Rothschild, owner of Gitana Team “This launch was naturally moving. Over time, the Gitana boats have had their share of innovations and the latter is continuing this tradition with the aim of being the first flying offshore trimaran. We’re keeping up the tradition of daring to venture forward, whilst placing our trust in Guillaume Verdier, who has already proven his worth, and in our team, which is constantly progressing. It’s also a very stimulating period in terms of the records being set at the moment, which place the bar ever higher. We’re now really keen to step the mast, bend on the sails and get out sailing.”

Cyril Dardashti, General Manager of Gitana Team “We’ve had a very emotional and important day in Gitana Team’s history. The team has been working flat out to launch this boat within the original timeframe and it hasn’t been easy day in day out as the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is an exceptional and extraordinary craft. The last few weeks have been particularly intense for everyone and I’m very proud of the team as together we’ve managed to overcome all the challenges to conclude this chapter of the build and set this Maxi in motion. It’s the start of a new story, but already its realisation has been exemplary. I repeat this over and over, but we’re incredibly lucky that Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild honour us with such trust, which enables us to be daring in our innovation. Such passion and commitment are what drives the Gitana Team on a daily basis.”

Sébastien Josse, skipper of Gitana Team “Inevitably I’m itching to get going but I’m keeping a low profile, in absolute awe of all the work put in by the whole team. We won’t sail the same in solo or crewed configuration, and the same is true in record or race configuration. Today, records are broken by teams who have been working away at them for a long time. There is a large unknown element and lots of things are being trialled here for the first time. We’re going to have to become ever greater, come face to face with this boat and listen to each other in order to get a full grasp of what’s going on. In due course, the race around the world in 2019 will bring to the fore the pressure of competition, which will thrill us, not only through the technological element but through the incredible human adventure in what is a truly pioneering ambiance.”

Pierre Tissier, Technical Manager of the Gitana Team “Ten years ago, we wondered about the size of the headsail furlers, the stresses the winches were under, whether to use rams for certain operations or about canting the mast. Today, we’re no longer asking questions along these lines, rather we question what angle to give the flaps (like those on a plane’s wing), what type, what size… We’re asking new questions about new things. It’s a large boat, designed like a small foiler and it operates in a fairly similar way to a boat in the America’s Cup. It’s the start of a long journey of discovery, we’re breaking new ground here, with a boat that has the potential to fly offshore, and now it’s a question of doing just that.”

Guillaume Verdier, naval architect “The initial idea was to design the first oceanic boat capable of flying with unfailing reliability. There are trim tabs on all the appendages. The central daggerboard has one too, a lifting surface in the form of a skate wing in order to increase stability still further when heeling and rolling. That is a huge amount for Sébastien (Josse) to trim. He’s going to have to go at it in stages, learn how far is reasonable enough and also what hand to play when the seas are too heavy. There were 80 of us within Team New Zealand answering these questions. As such, we’ll need to be patient and discuss ideas in depth to reveal the boat’s true potential.”

Cléon Peterson, artist (USA) “It’s a great privilege and an honour to have played a part in this fascinating project. I can imagine Sébastien Josse’s heroic voyage, where he will have to face up to himself and the sublime power of nature. In contrast to my other works, this one is going to travel. It’s very motivating to know that your work will have a life around the world, across the oceans and in all different lights. It was also a real challenge to adapt the design to the sail area and the paint team did an incredible job off the back of that. I’m now very keen to see her with her sails and in motion.”

TECHNICAL FOCUS Six delicate appendages: The decision came down to L-shaped foils measuring 5 metres in height and 3 metres in breadth (the largest ever built) and T-foil rudders, which serve to lift the boat and hence help her take off. These T-foil rudders will be retractable so as not to impinge on the boat’s ability to slip through the water and minimise the rise of breakage regarding the windward float. Flat-bottomed hull and floats: As is the case on the America’s Cup craft, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is equipped with three planing hulls with inverted bows and flat bottoms, so as to increase the ability to fly and provide excellent stability in heavy seas. The central hull and floats have a high freeboard for improved protection at sea. Rectangular, streamlined beams: The use of massive L-shaped foils and T-foil rudders translate as high floats and as stiff a platform as possible. The beams linked to the central hull are rectangular – and non-curved – so as to optimise stiffness. These straight beams are streamlined like plane wings so as to improve the aerodynamic effect. Streamlined cockpit: Streamlined to reduce windage and retain the boat’s aerodynamic look, the cuddy carried back from the central hull results in a highly-protected living pod. When sailing singlehanded, the skipper will spend a lot of his time here and, when sailing in crewed configuration, bunks are provided down below, inside the central hull.

PROGRAMME NOVEMBER 2017 Start of the Transat Jacques Vabre (LE HAVRE – SALVADOR DE BAHIA), double-handed race. NOVEMBER 2018 Route du Rhum (ST MALO – POINTE-À-PITRE), single-handed race. AUTUMN – WINTER 2019 Round the world SETTING SAIL FROM BREST, single-handed race.

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We sailed aboard the Ultim foiling trimaran Gitana17:Edmond de Rothschild

With the flying machine in full swing, note the adjustable end flap (yellow) at the bottom of the daggerboard (equipped with a trimmer). The 15.5 t and 32x23m of Gitana 17 sits on 4 points (leeward foil, central and port rudder blade and daggerboard flap)

At full speed, the foiler exceeds 40 knots, so you can understand the importance of aerodynamic optimization!

Sébastien Josse standing on the cap of the gigantic foiler. Note the log showing 35.7 knots of boatspeed with less than 20 knots of true wind!

Helming such an exceptional machine provides unforgettable pleasure... Philippe Echelle, chief tester at Multihulls World is one happy sailor!

The awesome deck plan of an Ultim foiler: hydraulics, computers, deck hardware, winches and custom-made columns developed in the USA as part of a partnership with Harken... Welcome aboard a flying trimaran of the future!

The protective capsule of Gitana 17 is a beautiful carbon structure, luminous, slender and strong. New ergonomics are needed to control a machine in which the apparent wind is constantly very strong and where there is generous spray

Sébastien Josse shows the screen for controlling all the parameters of the flight. Each appendage is loaded with sensors whose values are displayed in digital and analogue (on the image of the trimaran).

The foiler’s cockpit and life pod. Thomas Rouxel is adjusting the foil incidence (rake) from 5.50 high by means of the small, carbon half-wheel (it controls its action of 0 to 4° from the image of the boat on the screen in front of him)

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Published 20/09/2018

By Philippe Echelle

Published: nov. / dec. 2018

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Issue #: 162

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Gitana: A family of prestigious, classic boats

In 1876, Baroness Julie de Rothschild commissioned Thornycroft shipyard to build a 24.45m record steamer. The first of the Gitanas would be timed on Lake Geneva at 20.5 knots (an extraordinary speed for the period!): the world record! The Gitana saga had begun! In the 1960s, Baron Benjamin (founder of the financial group in 1953) revived the family enthusiasm for boating and racing.

The transformation into a racing team mainly dedicated to multihulls

In 2000 Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild established a real competition team that recruits its skippers from among the cream of the crop: Fred Le Peutrec, Loïck Peyron, Jean Le Cam, Thierry Duprey Du Vorsent and Lionel Lemonchois have been among those elected. The first racing trimaran was the former Elf III, now Gitana IX (Designed by G.Ollier - Multiplast). Then came the first boat entirely developed by the team: Gitana X. Its design was already based on the characteristics that were to become the hallmark of the team: daring techniques and aesthetics were being sought. The X was the product of a unique collaboration (something not yet undertaken in 2002!) between Gilles Ollier, Sebastien Schmidt, Mario Caponnetto and Duncan Mac Lane. Geared towards performance at Grand Prix level, this boat with X-arms was a little fragile for ocean racing.

By now the team had gained experience and made the informed choice of the acquisition of Jean Luc Nélias' ex-Belgacom (VPLP / Larros / CDK). Fred Le Peutrec and Loïck Peyron were the skippers, before Lionel Lemonchois' fantastic ride in the 2006 Route du Rhum, with an incredible victory in 7 days 17 hours! It was one of the most fantastic performances in this race since its inception. The boat was then to be transformed and extended by 17' to be eligible for the new Ultim class, and would then come 4th in the 2010 Route du Rhum, with Yann Guichard. Gitana 12 (formerly Jean Le Cam’s Bonduelle) was to be the team’s last Orma before the acquisition of one of the 4 giants of the time: Loïck Peyron’s former Innovation Explorer. Perfectly prepared, the big catamaran measuring 32.80m set out on a series of ocean records in 2008. From 2009 through 2012, the one-design circuit of the Extreme40 Sailing Series mobilized the team's multihull activity with Pierre Pennec at the helm. In 2011, the Mod 70 series started to look promising: one-design with a dynamic calendar. The bar had been raised! An ideal boat for the team. Alas the system rapidly collapsed: Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier’s victory in the Transat Jacques Vabre was to be the high point of the adventure. Transformed into an experimental flying trimaran, which makes L foils progress quickly (the most efficient at the time), the Mod 70 Gitana 15 returned under the hand of Guillaume Verdier (one of the pioneers of the Team New Zealand foiler during the America’s Cup). This boat was to become the first modern ocean foiler: it paved the way for Gitana 17:Edmond de Rothschild.

Gitana 17:Edmond de Rothschild, the first flying Ultim trimaran

Launched after Macif (CDK/VPLP in original Archimedean version, holder of the single-handed round the world record), but before Banque Populaire IX (CDK/VPLP), Gitana 17 was a born foiler: Guillaume Verdier's radical and highly innovative design is characterized by rectangular section arms, streamlined and without curvature (for better platform rigidity and increased reliability), a very large elevation of the topsides of the floats and optimized aerodynamics. From a hydrodynamic point of view, the flat U-shaped float and hull sections provide the planing shapes that maximize lift and avoid getting "sucked down". These flat bottoms in monolithic carbon also play a stiffening role to counteract the twisting loads on the foils when in action (50 tonnes!). The boat was designed around its appendages at the end of the Mod70 test campaign: 3 inverted T-rudder blades, 2 L-shaped foils with XXL dimensions (5.40m!), and a central T-shaped daggerboard with trimmer and flap at the extremity. Maximum height on the water, maximum platform stiffness and minimum aero and hydrodynamic drag: these are the parameters of this aggressive and futuristic design.

The technical, conceptual and financial challenge

If the figures make us dizzy, they also express the reality of design and manufacture of such a speed machine that is actually evolving for the first time in the air-water interface. These 15.5 tons of black fiber required the investment of 250 stakeholders in all. These included 40 composites specialists who spent 20 months on its production, 35,000 hours of design team time and 135,000 hours of construction! The complex mobile appendages of such a flying machine have required the intervention of 3 different manufacturers in order not to risk weakening a company in case of default on one of the parts (the two foils cost €500,000 for example!). Eligio Re Fraschini (foils) is a strong, high-tech company specializing in the manufacture of Formula 1 chassis, avionics composite parts and large-vessel propellers; Heol's Morbihan team has an extraordinary mastery of hollow carbon parts and pre-impregnated material in general. This composites alchemist put together the central daggerboard with its trimmer and end flaps. C3 Technologie in La Rochelle operates in the same areas and also manufactures all-carbon passenger aircraft. Here’s are some amazing numbers: Foils with a height of 5.50m withstand up to 130t of load before breaking! The construction budget of the boat: €15M; the annual budget of the team: €3.5 M (but compare this with the budget, for example, of the Sky cycling team: €35 M!! And they’re not even building an innovative boat!

Just a perfect day!

I’m sure Lou Reed will forgive me for borrowing this from one of his iconic songs, but these are the words that came to my mind when I left the maxi foiler. Some notes on a Steinway, a heady, addictive melody, a song that transcends time! My experiences of multihull flight are very limited: Some runs in Windrider Rave in the late 90s, the AC50 Groupama; the TF30 trimaran and finally Gitana 17. However, sailing each of these boats gave me an intense pleasure and revived my passion for multihulls! With these machines, life starts at 20 knots, explodes at 30 and reaches a climax at 40! Ocean flight isn’t 5 years old, but for a new generation of Jedi-navigators it opens a revolutionary sector in the sailing experience. It was the magicians of the appendages who made this miracle possible!

Our trip took place at the end of a night out with a small crew off the coast of Brittany. The crew: (Thomas Rouxel, Sébastien Josse, his teammate in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Nicolas Lunven who will be in charge of weather routing for the 2018 Route du Rhum and Sébastien Sainson who is a naval architect who graduated from Southampton, and is a member of the design team) We joined the trimaran SE of the Ile de Groix. The mastodon descended towards us with the wind behind and the mainsail sheet in to slow her down and stabilize her. A spectacular fender staircase is set up from the big 10m tender to allow us access on board.  Immediately, we are in for a collective 5 minute session of effort (with 4 of us!) on the grinders to lower the port foil (the biggest winch has been designed as a one-off by Harken USA for a permanent workload of 9 tonnes)! The rudders and the daggerboard are in the lowered position,  and the foil raked at 3° (a positive impact out of the possible 4°). We then unfurled the solent (again, sizeable effort is required and there are 4 of us on the grinders)! Sheeted hard in (as always on this kind of boat where the apparent wind is always very close to dead ahead, whatever the speed, this sailing rocket takes off in 12 knots of wind. Thomas Rouxel is at the wheel where the jumbo display regularly shows 25 knots of boatspeed when, suddenly, at 90° to the true wind that goes up to 15-16 knots, the powdery wake becomes huge, the speedo panics and the appendages pull us free from earthly attraction! 32 knots, the trimaran’s trim is so perfect that it seems unreal. We are flying! Sébastien Josse offers me the chance to take the helm. Well-secured on the navigating platform, titanium rim in hand, I poke my head through the opening roof and find myself in an exclusive, exceptional universe, that of one of the 5 Ultim multihulls which exist in the world. 

The helm sensation is quite a shock at first, but you get used to the size of the machine quickly. Sitting between 82 and 90° off an irregular wind, I manage to keep the machine in flight and semi-flight. The transitions between the Archimedean sequences and the 5-point takeoff are smooth, as is the landing. It’s extraordinary! The noise coming from aft is powerful, but the noise level of the appendages (perceived from the outside) is low; not at all like the wild beast howls of an AC50. The wind speed, just unbearable for a long time, is the reason why the navigation capsule includes the helm station and all the sail handling controls. A small removable windshield completes the device to help fight against the spray! In these ideal conditions, the speed is maintained between 22 and 36 knots and the steady behavior is so perfect that one has the impression of sailing on a well-honed, long-developed machine, whereas in reality, the job list is always full at the end of each test run. 

If Nicolas Lunven (weather) and Olivier Douillard (performance) manage to position the machine in good condition and a driver in shape on an optimized trajectory, the long flight sessions will allow a unique wake across the Atlantic. The English Channel, Biscay and The Azores are not short of rough crossings, delicate weather phenomena and crossed seas, all the opposite of the desired conditions for high speed. The bonus will go to the pilot who will fly the best and the most regularly, knowing that it is almost impossible to rest in these conditions...

At the helm, I observe the fantastic work of the foils and the careful preparation of this platform which provides extraordinary performance, and am fascinated by the snowy wake that we leave between Ile de Groix and Belle Ile! At 30 knots, on our way back, the perception of the entrance to the Chenal de Lorient is distorted and in a few minutes we are off the signal station, where the speed is limited to 6 knots! With all the sails eased, the 32m trimaran stops: it's over. All that’s required now is get the machine back alongside the dock using the 110hp engine and the two little tugs!

Name: GITANA17-EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD

Naval Architects: Team Verdier-Gitana

Builder: Multiplast/ Appendages by Eligio Re Fraschini-Heol- C3 – Persico (coachroof tip), mast by Lorima

Length: 32m

Laden weight: 15.5t

Mast height: 35m

Upwind sail area: 450m²

Downwind sail area: 650m²

Construction: honeycomb carbon-epoxy, hull bottoms in monolithic carbon

Decor on hulls and sails (800m²): JB Epron based on an original work by Cleon Peterson

Text: Philippe Echelle Photos: Eloi Stichelbaut / Gitana SA and P.Echelle

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A maxi trimaran for Edmond de Rothschild

Construction: 2016 Launch date: July 2017 Shipyard:  Multiplast / Lorima / Persico  Architects: Team Verdier (Guillaume Verdier, Morgane Schlumberger, Hervé Penfornis, Romaric Neyhousser), Bobby Kleinschmit (Team New Zealand), Bureau d’études Gitana (Antoine Koch, Marine Villard, Sébastien Sainson, Armand de Jacquelot, Julien Marcelet), Pure Design Skipper:  Sébastien Josse Racing program: solo-racing

@gitana-team.com

A trimaran measuring 32-metres in length and 23 metres in width, this ‘Ultime’ once again bears witness to the passion for innovation and performance, that serves as a daily guide to Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild and the rest of the Gitana Team. They created the offshore racing stable in 2000, ensuring continuity with the team that has undertaken research and assisted with the development of the Multi70 Edmond de Rothschildl, since 2014.

Designed by Guillaume Verdier, alongside his team and the Gitana design office; the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild will be partly Archimedean boat (submerged hull) and flying craft. Gitana Team’s game plan is to develop the first flying maxi-multihull in offshore racing, by 2020.

@Gitana-team.com

Vannes le 17 juillet 2017, chantier Multiplast, sortie et mise à l’eau du Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.

@Eloi Stichelbaut/ GITANA SA

Specifications:

• Length: 32 m
• Draught: 37 m
• Displacement (weight) : 15.5 tons
• Appendages  : T-Foil Float Rudders (2) / L-Shaped Foils (2)/ Daggerboard on the central Hull (1) / T-Foil rudder on central hull (1)
• Sail area upwind: 450 m²
• Sail area downwind: 650 m²

Related articles: 

“Gitana 17, it’s intense”

A maxi trimaran of a new generation

More projects ULTIMATES :

2018 – trimaran multi 70 – maserati, 2016 – maxi trimaran – gitana 17, 2016 – foiler – easy to fly, 2014 – 100 feet – comanche, 2012 – multi 50 pieds – arkema.

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Trophée Jules Verne – Maxi-Trimaran Edmond de Rothschild – Start on Wednedsday?

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On a navigué à bord du trimaran foiler Ultim Gitana 17 : Edmond de Rothschild

La machine volante en pleine action, notez le volet d'extrémité réglable (jaune) au bas de la dérive (équipée d'un trimmer). Les 15,5 t et les 32 x 23 m de Gitana 17 reposent sur 4 points (foil sous le vent, safran central, et bâbord et volet de d?

A pleine vitesse, le foiler dépasse 40 nœuds, on comprend l'importance de l'optimisation aérodynamique !

Sébastien Josse debout sur la casquette du gigantesque foiler. Notez le speedo à 35,7 nœuds par moins de 20 nœuds de vent réel !

Barrer une telle machine d'exception procure un plaisir inoubliable… Philippe Echelle, testeur en chef chez Multicoques Mag, est un marin heureux !

L'impressionnant plan de pont d'un foiler Utim : hydraulique, informatique, accastillage, winches et colonnes custom développés aux USA dans le cadre d'un partenariat avec Harken... Bienvenue à bord d'un trimaran volant du 3e type !

La casquette de protection de Gitana 17 est une structure carbone magnifique, lumineuse, gracile et résistante. Une toute nouvelle ergonomie nécessaire au contrôle d'un engin à bord duquel le vent apparent est constamment très fort et le spray géné

Sébastien Josse montre ici l'écran de contrôle de tous les paramètres du vol. Chaque appendice est bardé de capteurs dont les valeurs s'affichent en numérique et en analogique (sur la représentation du trimaran).

Le cockpit et la cellule vie du foiler, Thomas Rouxel est en train de régler l'incidence du foil (rake) de 5,50 m de haut au moyen de la petite demi-roue carbone (il contrôle son action de 0° à 4° à partir de la représentation du bateau sur l'écra

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Gitana : Une famille de bateaux classiques prestigieux

En 1876, la baronne Julie de Rothschild commande aux chantiers Thornycroft un bateau à vapeur de record de 24,45 m. Le premier des Gitana sera chronométré sur le lac Léman à 20,5 nœuds (une vitesse extraordinaire pour l’époque !) ; le record du monde ! La saga Gitana peut commencer ! Dans les années 60, le baron Benjamin (fondateur du groupe financier en 1953) ranime la flamme familiale des bateaux de plaisance, puis de course.

La mutation en écurie de course principalement dédiée aux multicoques 

En 2000, Ariane et Benjamin de Rothschild créent une véritable équipe de compétition qui recrute ses pilotes parmi les ténors du plateau : Fred Le Peutrec, Loïck Peyron, Jean Le Cam, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent, Lionel Lemonchois figurent parmi les élus. Le premier trimaran de course sera l’ex-Elf III devenu Gitana IX (Design G. Ollier-Multiplast). Vient ensuite le premier bateau entièrement développé par le team : Gitana X. Sa conception s’appuie déjà sur les caractéristiques qui deviendront la marque de fabrique de l’équipe : technique audacieuse et esthétique recherchée. Le X est le fruit d’une collaboration unique (qui ne se pratiquait pas encore en 2002 !) entre Gilles Ollier, Sébastien Schmidt, Mario Caponnetto et Duncan Mac Lane. Orienté vers les performances en Grand Prix, ce bateau doté de bras en X est assez fragile en océanique.

Gitana 17 / Edmond de Rothschild, le premier trimaran Ultim volant

Mis à l’eau après Macif (CDK/VPLP en 1 re  version archimédienne, détenteur du record du tour de monde solo), mais avant Banque Populaire IX (CDK/VPLP), Gitana 17 est né foiler ; le dessin radical et très innovant de Guillaume Verdier est caractérisé par des bras de sections rectangulaires, carénés et sans courbure (pour une meilleure rigidité de plate-forme et une fiabilité augmentée), une très grande élévation des bordés de flotteurs et de coque centrale, et un aérodynamisme optimisé. Du point de vue hydrodynamique, les sections de flotteurs et de coque centrale en U aplati offrent les formes planantes qui optimisent la portance et évitent de se faire "aspirer par le bas". Ces fonds plats en carbone monolithique jouent également un rôle raidisseur permettant de contrecarrer la torsion des foils en action (50 t !). Le bateau a été dessiné autour de ses appendices à l’issue de la campagne d’essai du Mod70’ : 3 safrans en T inversé, 2 foils en L aux dimensions XXL (5,40 m !) et une dérive centrale en T avec trimmer et volet d’extrémité. Un maximum de hauteur sur l’eau, un maximum de raideur de plate-forme et le minimum de trainée aéro et hydrodynamique, voici les paramètres de ce dessin agressif et futuriste.

Le défi technique, conceptuel et financier

Si les chiffres donnent le tournis, ils expriment aussi la réalité de conception et de fabrication d’une telle machine de vitesse, qui évolue pour la première fois réellement dans l’interface air-eau. Ces 15,5 t de fibre noire ont nécessité l’investissement de 250 intervenants en tout, dont 40 spécialistes des composites durant 20 mois pour la réalisation elle-même, 35 000 heures de bureau d’études et 135 000 heures de construction ! Les appendices mobiles complexes d’un tel engin volant ont réclamé l’intervention de 3 fabricants distincts afin de ne pas fragiliser une entreprise en cas de défaut sur l’une des pièces (les deux foils coûtent 500 000 €, par exemple !). Eligio Re Fraschini (foils) est une solide compagnie de haute technicité spécialisée dans la fabrication de châssis de F1, de pièces composites d’avionique et d’hélices de grands navires ; l’équipe morbihannaise d’Heol possède une extraordinaire maîtrise des pièces carbone creuses et du pré-imprégné en général, cet orfèvre des composites a réalisé la dérive centrale avec son trimmer et les volets d’extrémité. C3 Technologie à La Rochelle intervient dans les mêmes domaines, et fabrique aussi des avions de tourisme entièrement en carbone. Un chiffre éloquent : les foils de 5,50 m de hauteur résistent à 130 t de charge maxi avant la rupture ! Le budget de construction du bateau : 15 M€ ; le budget annuel de l’équipe : 3,5 M€ (mais il faut comparer avec le budget de l’équipe de vélo Sky, par exemple : 35 M€ !! qui, elle, ne construit pas de bateau innovant).

Just a perfect day !

Lou Reed me pardonnera cet emprunt à l’un de ses morceaux emblématiques, mais ce sont les mots qui me viennent à l’esprit en quittant le maxi foiler. Quelques notes sur un Steinway, une mélodie entêtante, addictive, une chanson passe-muraille ! Mon expérience du vol en multicoque est très limitée : quelques runs en Windrider Rave à la fin des années 90, l’AC50’ Groupama ; le trimaran TF30’ et enfin Gitana 17’. Pourtant, chacune de ces navigations m’a procuré un plaisir intense et a ravivé ma passion des multicoques ! Avec ces engins, la vie commence à 20 nœuds, explose à 30 et c’est l’apothéose à 40 ! Le vol océanique n’a pas 5 ans, mais il ouvre pour une nouvelle génération de jedi-navigateurs un compartiment révolutionnaire de l’expérience voile. Ce sont les magiciens des appendices qui ont rendu ce miracle possible !

Notre navigation s’est déroulée à l’issue d’une sortie de nuit en équipage réduit au large de la Bretagne. L’équipage : Thomas Rouxel, le double de Sébastien , son équipier de la Transat Jacques Vabre ; Nicolas Lunven, qui sera en charge de la cellule météo pour le Rhum 2018, et Sébastien Sainson (architecte naval diplômé de Southampton, membre du bureau d’études. Nous rejoignons le trimaran au SE de l’île de Groix. Le mastodonte descend vers nous vent arrière GV bordée pour ralentir et se stabiliser, un spectaculaire pare-battage escalier est mis en place à partir du gros tender d’assistance de 10 m pour permettre l’accès à bord. Aussitôt, nous voilà partis pour une séance collective d’effort de 5 min (à 4 !) sur les colonnes de winchage pour descendre le foil bâbord (le plus gros winch est conçu à l’unité par Harken Usa pour une charge de travail permanente de 9 t !) ! Les safrans et la dérive sont en position basse, rake de foil à 3° (d’incidence positive sur les 4° possibles), nous déroulons ensuite le solent (là aussi, l’effort est conséquent, et nous sommes 4 à wincher ! Profils bordés (comme toujours sur ce genre de bateau où le vent apparent est très proche de l’axe du navire quelle que soit l’allure), la fusée à voile prend son envol dans 12 nœuds de vent ; Thomas Rouxel est à la roue, l’afficheur jumbo indique déjà régulièrement 25 nœuds de vitesse, quand, soudain, à 90° d’un réel qui passe à 15-16 nœuds, le sillage de poudreuse devient immense, le speedo s’affole et les appendices nous arrachent à l’attraction terrestre ! 32 nœuds, l’assiette du trimaran est si parfaite que cela semble irréel. Nous volons ! Sébastien Josse me propose de prendre la barre ; bien calé sur l’estrade de navigation, jante en titane dans la main, je passe la tête à travers le toit ouvrant et accède à un univers exclusif, exceptionnel, celui d’un des 5 multicoques Ultim existant dans le monde.

Les sensations de barre sont assez bouleversantes au début, mais on s’habitue vite aux dimensions de la machine. Festonnant entre 82 et 90° d’un vent irrégulier, je parviens à maintenir l’engin en vol et semi-vol; les transitions entre les séquences archimédiennes et le décollage sur 5 points s’effectuent en douceur, de même que l’amerrissage. Extraordinaire ! Le bruit du réacteur à l’arrière est puissant, mais le niveau sonore des appendices (perçu depuis l’extérieur) est faible ; pas du tout les hurlements de bête fauve d’un AC50’. Le vent vitesse est, lui, juste insupportable sur une longue période, raison pour laquelle la casquette de navigation englobe l’ensemble des postes de barre et de manœuvre ; un petit saute-vent amovible vient compléter le dispositif pour lutter contre le spray ! Dans ces conditions idéales, la vitesse se maintient entre 22 et 36 nœuds, et la maturité de comportement est si parfaite qu’on a l’impression de naviguer sur une unité parfaitement rodée et mise au point depuis longtemps, alors que la job list est toujours remplie à l’issue de chaque sortie d’essai.

Le pilotage dans ce type de temps n’est pas délicat, mais l’affaire se complique aussitôt qu’on observe l’écran qui récapitule les paramètres d’appendices ! Le maintien en vol suppose des réglages fins (trop de trainée : ça freine et on ne décolle pas ; pas assez d’incidence : ça ne vole pas !), et, l’asservissement automatique de ces paramètres étant pour l’instant interdit, le skipper est dans l’obligation d’adopter un "menu" moyen, car il est impossible d’intervenir en permanence sur les 5 points de contact avec l’eau ! Gitana 17 est bardé de capteurs, et un programme développé en interne avec les informaticiens du bureau d’études dirigé par Romain Ingouff permet d’automatiser l’ensemble des actions du vol (chut, c’est secret !)… mais il n’est pas possible de l’utiliser en course ! A bord de ces bateaux extrêmement physiques, il faut être économe de sa dépense, choquer trop tôt veut dire reprendre l’écoute ou le traveller, et ça, c’est un très gros effort, ne pas le faire expose à d’autres conséquences… L’envoi d’une voile fait l’objet d’une stratégie bénéfice-risque, et il ne faut pas en abuser sous peine de "cramer" le skipper. Les mécaniques du système UpsideUp (système de sécurité automatique) sont embarquées et permettent de larguer certaines fonctions principales. Leur asservissement informatique est réalisé en interne. Le mât étant basculant, un bout traverse la casquette (il est aussi renvoyé à l’intérieur) et permet de larguer le vérin pour faire déverser le plan de voilure, une première action "panic button" ; ensuite, écoute GV et voile d’avant peuvent suivre via le système d’ouverture automatique. On comprend vite à bord de cette navette à très grande vitesse que la stratégie sera un élément clé de la prochaine Route du Rhum.

Si Nicolas Lunven (météo) et Olivier Douillard (performances) arrivent à positionner une machine en bon état et un pilote en forme sur une trajectoire optimisée, les longues séances de vol permettront de dérouler un sillage unique à travers l’Atlantique. Manche, Gascogne, Açores ne sont pas avares de transition rugueuses, de phénomènes météo délicats et de mers croisées, l’inverse de la piste souhaitée pour la grande vitesse ; la prime ira donc au pilote qui volera le mieux et le plus régulièrement, sachant qu’il est presque impossible de se reposer dans ces conditions… A la barre, j’observe le fantastique travail des foils et la minutieuse préparation de cette plate-forme aux performances extraordinaires, fasciné par le sillage de neige que nous laissons entre Groix et Belle-Ile ! A 30 nœuds, au retour, la perception de l’entrée du chenal de Lorient est modifiée, et en quelques minutes nous sommes devant la vigie, où la vitesse est limitée à 6 nœuds ! Une grande abattée et le trimaran de 32 m s’arrête ; c’est fini, il ne reste plus qu’à faire pénétrer l’engin en marche arrière dans la darse à l’aide du moteur de 110 CV et des deux pousseurs !  

Descriptif technique

Nom : GITANA17-EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD

Architecte : Team Verdier-Gitana

Constructeur : Multiplast/ Appendices : Eligio Re Fraschini-Heol- C3 – Persico (casquette de roof), mât Lorima

Longueur : 32 m

Largeur : 23 m

Poids en charge : 15,5 t

Hauteur du mât : 35 m

Surface de voilure au près : 450 m 2

Surface au portant : 650 m 2

Matériau : Sandwich nid d’abeille-carbone-époxy, fonds de coques monolithiques carbone

Décoration de coques et voiles (800 m 2 ) : JB Epron, à partir d’une œuvre originale de Cleon Peterson

Texte : Philippe Echelle – Photos : Eloi Stichelbaut / Gitana SA et Ph. Echelle

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• Route du Rhum , 

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Finistère Atlantique : 5 trimarans Ultim vont s'élancer de Concarneau à destination d'Antibes

Pour cette deuxième édition de la Finistère Atlantique, cinq trimarans de la classe Ultim vont s'affronter entre Concarneau et Antibes, en équipage. Le parcours et les concurrents ont été présentés à Port Vauban, qui accueillera les équipages après ce sprint océanique de 2000 milles.

Relier deux citadelles 

Après la Nice Ultimed, c'est la deuxième fois depuis 2018 que les Ultim viennent s'affronter en méditerranée. Après deux années d'échange entre la classe et les différents partenaires, la Finistère Atlantique va offrir un nouveau parcours à ses concurrents.

Le départ sera donné le samedi 28 septembre à Concarneau. Les trimarans s'élanceront pour un petit parcours côtier, avant de virer la Jaune des Glénan.

Après une traversée du Golfe de Gascogne, un premier passage délicat devra être négocié entre le Cap Saint Vincent et Gibraltar. Les concurrents devront se maintenir à distance du DST , avant une remontée libre le long des Baléares .

Une marque de parcours devra être virée devant Marseille , avant une dernière ligne droite vers Antibes, soit environ 2000 milles de régate en équipage.

Des équipages rompus à la régate au contact

Chaque Ultim accueillera un équipage de six personnes, et seulement deux femmes embarqueront, à savoir Amélie Grassi sur SVR Lazartigues, et Marie Riou sur Actual.

Pour ce sprint autour d'une partie de l'Europe, les figuristes et autres régatiers habitués à la régate au contact seront de la partie.Pour trois Ultim , les équipages seront les mêmes que pour les tentatives de Jules Verne cet hiver.

Un parcours qui pourra créer des surprises

Francis Le Goff, directeur de course de la Finistère Atlantique, nous a décrit ce parcours et les surprises qui pourraient se révéler aux équipages :

 " Ce sera une belle course d'Ultim, avec un golfe de Gascogne qui peut réserver des surprises, puis une entrée en Méditerranée qui demande une grande attention en raison du trafic et des conditions météo. C'est un parcours complet et très technique, la réussite de l équipage sera prédominance pour ce sprint. Il peut y avoir de grosses transitions, si l'on en croit les gribs des dernières années "

Anthony Marchand , skipper d'Actual, confirme qu'une attention particulière sera apportée à la météo, surtout en méditerranée :

"La préparation météo se travail surtout 3 jours avant le départ. Sur un parcours proche des côtes, on repère la topographie générale et les hauts fonds. C'est génial de repartir en équipage. Après une saison en solo et en double, il faut apprendre à repartager l'espace avec plusieurs équipiers. "

Un joli spectacle pour le public

Les festivités commenceront le mercredi 25 septembre à Concarneau, où les cinq ULTIM seront regroupés, comme lors de la première édition de Finistère Atlantique en 2022, qui avait vu la victoire du Maxi Edmond de Rothschild . Le village officiel de la course sera inauguré ce jour-là à 17h. Le jeudi 26 septembre sera dédié aux rencontres entre les équipages et les élèves. La compétition reprendra le samedi 28 septembre avec un départ prévu à 13h. Francis Le Goff estime que la durée de la course, en fonction des conditions météorologiques, sera d'environ cinq jours.

Les cinq maxi-trimarans seront accueillis à Antibes dans des conditions optimales. Le village sera ouvert au port Vauban à partir du jeudi 3 octobre à 11h pour quatre jours de festivités, offrant aux équipages l'occasion de rencontrer le public local.

Le vendredi 4 octobre comprendra des rencontres avec les élèves et des visites des ULTIM . Le samedi 5 octobre sera consacré à des courses de vitesse sur le plan d'eau d'Antibes, et la remise des prix aura lieu le dimanche 6 octobre à 11h. Ce jour-là, des rencontres entre les marins et des apnéistes locaux sont également prévues. Chaque jour, des animations musicales accompagneront l'événement pour faire de cette deuxième édition de Finistère Atlantique une véritable fête sportive et populaire.

Le dernier-né des Gitana

Dessiné par l’architecte Guillaume Verdier et son équipe en collaboration avec le bureau d’études Gitana, le Maxi Edmond de Rothschild est à la croisée des chemins entre un bateau archimédien et une unité volante. Il est le premier maxi-multicoque de course au large conçu pour voler en haute mer.

Précurseur d’une nouvelle génération de géants des mers, ce bateau présente des carènes résolument planantes, agressives et novatrices, bien éloignées de celles connues sur les multicoques océaniques actuels. Tout dans les formes des flotteurs et de la coque centrale appelle au vol. Il est doté des dernières avancées architecturales et techniques en termes d’appendices, avec des safrans en T et des foils en L de plus de 5,4 m de hauteur. Toujours dans cette perspective, l’aérodynamisme de la plateforme a été particulièrement soigné. Les formes des bras de liaison notamment sont là pour en témoigner, tout comme l’intégration de la cellule de vie / cockpit entre les deux bras.

Gitana 17, de son nom de baptême, a été imaginé, développé et construit plus spécialement pour des navigations en solitaire, mais sera également parfaitement taillé pour les grands records en équipage.

Mis à l’eau en juillet 2017, la construction de ce multicoque, qui marque déjà de son empreinte la saga Gitana, a réclamé plus de 170 000 heures de travail dont 35 000 heures d’études.

Architectes

Constructeurs, fournisseurs.

Designed by naval architect Guillaume Verdier and his team in collaboration with the Gitana design office, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild will be part Archimedean boat (submerged hull), part flying craft. She is offshore racing’s first maxi-multihull designed to fly in the open ocean.

The precursor of a new generation of giants of the seas, this boat features innovative, purposeful planing hulls beneath the waterline, which are a far cry from those used on the current fleet of oceanic multihulls. Everything about the forms of the floats and the central hull shouts flight. She is equipped with the very latest architectural and technical advances in terms of appendages, with T-foil rudders and L-shaped foils measuring over 5.4m in height. With everything geared towards flight, a great deal of care has gone into the aerodynamics of the platform. The forms of the beams in particular testify to this, as does the integration of the living space/ cockpit between the two beams.

Going by the name Gitana 17, she has been devised, developed and built with the focus on solo sailing, but she’ll also be the ideal boat for major record attempts in crewed configuration.

Launched in July 2017, the construction of this multihull, which has already made her mark on the Gitana saga, required more than 170,000 man-hours, including 35,000 hours of studies.

Naval architects : Guillaume Verdier, Hervé Penfornis, Romaric Neyhousser, Morgane Schlumberger, Véronique Soulé (calculs de fluide), Jamie France, Bobby Kleinschmidt (architecture navale / VPP), Pure Design & Engineering, Romain Garo (CFD), Len Imas (CFD)

Constructors :

Suppliers :.

Réglage des flaps, incidence des foils, circuit hydraulique... de l’archimédien au vol, le Gitana Team vous propose le mode d’emploi en décortiquant les grandes phases du décollage grâce à une animation 3D.

The trimming of the flaps, the angle of inclination of the foils, the hydraulics circuit... from Archimedean to flight mode, the Gitana Team offers you the instructions for use by dissecting the main phases of take-off using 3D animation.

Des appendices... pour voler !

Ils sont la genèse du projet. Ces « morceaux de carbone » profilés ont demandé des heures de navigation sur le Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild, véritable laboratoire d´essai, et de calculs aux ingénieurs du Team Verdier. Objectif : augmenter le rendement, minimiser le frein, autrement dit aller vite, toujours plus vite selon l´état de la mer. Le choix s´est porté sur des foils en L aux dimensions XXL et des safrans en T qui joueront le rôle d´élévateur. Ces safrans en T seront rétractables pour ne pas gêner la glisse du bateau et minimiser les risques de casse sur le flotteur au vent. Ainsi, foil et safran en action, le flotteur sous le vent sera sustenté par ces appendices, soulagera la coque centrale et permettra au Maxi Edmond de Rothschild de voler au-dessus des océans malgré sa masse supérieure à 15 tonnes.

Les flotteurs

Partir des principes physiques premiers de l´objet », tel fut le point de départ de l´étude de l´équipe de Guillaume Verdier. Des flotteurs à fond plat créent une portance, évitent de se faire aspirer par le bas, augmentent la capacité à voler et assurent une excellente stabilité par mer formée. Comme sur les unités de la Coupe de l´America, le Maxi Edmond de Rothschild est doté de trois coques planantes aux étraves inversées permettant de rester au-dessus de l´eau et de « transpercer » les vagues. Ces fonds plats exigent une grande solidité et ont nécessité une construction en carbone monolithique lissée, garantissant une raideur à toute épreuve… Surprenante, la hauteur des flotteurs est entièrement liée à l´usage des foils en L dont la torsion engendrée (quand ils sont en action) nécessite plus de raideur pour « supporter » les efforts.

Tout est lié ! L´utilisation de ces immenses plans porteurs (les foils en L et les safrans en T) implique de la hauteur pour les flotteurs et un maximum de raideur pour la plate-forme. Les bras reliés à la coque centrale demeurent donc rectangulaires - et non courbes - afin d´optimiser la rigidité. « Un surcoût en poids, mais un gain en fiabilité ». L´équipe d´architectes et d´ingénieurs du bureau d´études Gitana, sans cesse à la recherche d´un aérodynamisme exemplaire, a trouvé la solution du « carénage » pour ces bras droits. Le résultat est sans appel : ces ailes d´avion greffées aux bras avant et arrière apportent avec le plan de voilure un effet aérodynamique optimal.

La coque centrale

Fond plat, comme les flotteurs pour une portance diabolique, largeur modérée, hauteur significative pour un meilleur rempart à la mer, la coque centrale affiche également une forme « tulipée ». Plus évasée en haut, elle permet d´accueillir la nacelle, lieu de travail du skipper et de son équipage selon la configuration de la course océanique.

Un espace de vie futuriste,une nacelle profilée mais ergonomique

Longuement pensé par le bureau d´études Gitana, le cockpit, nerf de la guerre du Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, demeure ultra-ergonomique. La nacelle, ou casquette, rapportée à la coque centrale permet de créer une cellule de vie très protégée et des plus efficaces. Racée, profilée pour diminuer le fardage et rester dans le caractère aérodynamique du bateau, cette casquette prolongée jusqu´au bras arrière est dotée de hublots minutieusement positionnés pour une vision optimale du plan de voilure. Les architectes ont cherché à créer un effet de plaque en minimisant l´espace entre cette casquette et le plan de voilure afin que la plate-forme soit le prolongement de la voile. Spartiate, l´intérieur de la coque centrale sur fond de carbone n´offre que peu de confort.

• Juillet : Mise à l’eau
• Novembre : 2e de la Transat Jacques Vabre
• Novembre : Participation à la Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe
• Juin : 2e d’ArMen Race Uship
• Août : Vainqueur de la Rolex Fastnet Race
• Décembre : Vainqueur de la Brest Atlantiques
• Juillet : Vainqueur de la Drheam Cup
• July : Launch
• November : 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre
• November : Participation in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe
• June : 2nd in the ArMen Race Uship
• August : Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race
• December : Winner of the Brest Atlantiques
• July : Winner of the Drheam Cup

Aérodynamisme

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• Life & Arts

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Louvre bids to buy Rembrandt masterpiece from Rothschild collection in France

The state has deferred the painting's export licence giving the museum 30 months to find the funds.

Rembrandt's The Standard Bearer (1636) Image via Wikicommons

The Louvre is planning to buy Rembrandt van Rijn's The Standard Bearer (1636) after France's culture minister Franck Riester announced that is has been classed as a "national treasure". On Friday 19 April, Journal officiel , which publishes France's major legal changes and decisions, printed the decree deferring the painting's export licence and giving national museums first refusal on the work—so-called "pre-empting".

The Louvre now has 30 months to find the necessary funds—an undisclosed sum—to prevent the work from leaving the country. The flamboyant painting of a full-scale figure has been owned by the French branch of the Rothschild family for more than 180 years.

When Jacob James de Rothschild bought The Standard Bearer for £840 in 1840 at a Christie’s sale in London, it was perhaps the earliest purchase of a Rembrandt by a member of the banking family. The work was inherited by his son Edmond de Rothschild, who donated a collection of 40,000 prints and 3,000 drawings to the Louvre, including a selection of Rembrandt’s etchings and drawings, in 1935. The painting, which was previously in the collection of the English monarch King George IV, now belongs to the children of Élie de Rothschild, who died in 2007.

The Louvre's bid to buy the work comes three years after it jointly purchased, together with the Rijksmuseum, the two Rembrandt's portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit (both 1634) from Eric de Rothschild for €160m. The sale closed a bitter controversy sparked by the Louvre's initial recommendation to allow the works to be exported because it could not raise the purchase price. The funds ultimately came from France's central bank. 

According to the book A Corpus of Rembrandt's Painting (1982-2014), The Standard Bearer is “very well preserved". It is described as “set down rapidly, with mostly broad strokes" of brown, gold and white hues, and was painted in the same year Rembrandt created his famous  Danae , which now hangs in Moscow's State Hermitage Museum. The costume of the soldier in The Standard Bearer is partly modelled on those of early 16th-century mercenary soldiers called the Landsknecht. Rembrandt may have been inspired by engravings by artists such as Hendrick Goltzius that celebrated these fighters of the war for independence against Spain.

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The Rothschild Archive

Welcome to The Rothschild Archive's website

Sources for business history

Sources for art history: Catalogue of the pictures of Alfred de Rothschild 1901

Sources for yachting history: Plans for Nathaniel von Rothschild's yacht Veglia 1905

Sources for natural history: Walter 2nd Lord Rothschild and his zebra carriage: c.1910

Sources for global financial history: Map of lines of the Brazil Railway Company: c.1920

Sources for business history: index cards to bank files

Sources for social history: Rothschild Hospital Paris: 1920s

Sources for business history: detail of a Rothschild bond coupon

Sources for architectural history: Halton House: 1890s

Sources for the history of travel: Lionel de Rothschild's tours of Spain: 1909

Sources for local history: Tring Park: c.1900

Sources for Royal history: shooting party with Edward Prince of Wales: 1893

Sources for political history: Lionel de Rothschild: first Jewish MP: 1858

Sources for sporting history: St Amant winner of the Derby: 1904

Sources for local history: gardeners at Aston Clinton: 1899

Sources for Rothschild family history: Lionel de Rothschild's yacht Rhodora: 1927

Sources for London history: entrance to New Court: 1965

Sources for design history: plans for Lionel de Rothschild's Rolls-Royce: 1930

Sources for business history: Rothschild gold bars produced by the Royal Mint Refinery: 1930s

Sources for business history: letters of August Belmont Rothschild Agent in New York: 1860s

Rothschild Timeline

Chronology c.1450 to the present day

Selected milestones in the history of the family and key dates in the history of the development of the Rothschild businesses are detailed here. Click on a year date to reveal further information about the events that shaped history; a relevant image will also appear at the top of the page. 

1450s The first identified Rothschild ancestor in Frankfurt

The Rothschild family can trace their ancestors back to 'Uri Feibesh' in Frankfurt in 1450.

The family tree of 1973.

1530 House of the 'Red Shield' built in Frankfurt

The 'House of the Red Shield' (from which the family derive their name) was built by Rothschild ancestors in the Judengassse in Frankfurt.

Map of the Frankfurt. The Judengasse is in the top right-hand corner.

1650s First use of the name 'Rothschild' in records

Frankfurt Jews were not compelled to have surnames until 1807. The Rothschilds adopted their name from the place where they lived.

A Rothschild pedigree.

1744 Mayer Amschel Rothschild born in Frankfurt

Mayer Amschel Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild partnership is born in Frankfurt. He became a merchant and coin dealer.

The Judengasse where Mayer Amschel Rothschild was born in 1744.

1769 Mayer Amschel Rothschild becomes a Court Agent

In 1769, Mayer Amschel gained the title of 'Court Agent', an important position managing the finances of the immensely wealthy Elector of Hesse-Cassel.

Deed of Hessen country of Wilhelm I conerning the appointment of Mayer Amschel von Rothschild (1744-1812) as the court financial agent, 21 September 1769.

1773 Birth of Amschel Mayer Rothschild

Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1773-1855) who was to lead the Frankfurt business was the most cautious and conservative of the Rothschild brothers.

Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1773-1855).

1774 Birth of Salomon Mayer Rothschild

The Viennese bank, S. M. von Rothschild, was established by Salomon Mayer Rothschild (1774-1855), the second of the five brothers.

Salomon Mayer Rothschild (1774-1855).

1777 Birth of Nathan Mayer Rothschild

Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836) established the banking house which still trades today from St Swithin's Lane in the City of London.

Nathan and his family are depicted in this painting by Hobday, c,1824. In 1825, the family's town home was established at 107, Piccadilly and in 1835, Nathan acquired Gunnersbury Park in west London.

1785 The 'House of the Green Shield'

As business prospered, Mayer Amschel bought a larger semi-detached house in the Judengasse where he lived with his wife Gutle and their ten children.

The House of the Green Shield.

1788 Birth of Carl Mayer Rothschild

In the early 1820s, Carl Mayer Rothschild was dispatched to Naples to handle the family's business there. Carl formed the fifth Rothschild house under the name C M von Rothschild & Figli.

Carl Mayer Rothschild (1788-1855).

1792 Birth of James Rothschild

From the age of 19, James was in Paris co-ordinating the purchase of specie and bullion for his brother Nathan, before founding 'the Paris house, de Rothschild Frères.

James Mayer de Rothschild (1792-1868).

1798 Nathan Rothschild arrives in Manchester

Nathan, aged 21, established Rothschild Brothers in Manchester 1799 as commission agents to co-ordinate the supply of British textiles to the continental market for his father’s account.

Nathan Rothschild's textile order book.

1806 The first client: The Elector of Hesse Cassel

The Elector of Hesse Cassel, fleeing Napoleon in 1806, entrusted part of his fortune to Mayer Amschel Rothschild. The Rothschilds wisely invested the Elector's funds and, by the time the Elector returned, they had accrued considerable interest.

Miniature illustrating the traditional story of the founding of the Rothschild fortune: the return of the (treasure) chests to the Elector of Hesse, after a watercolour by Moritz Daniel Oppenheim.

1809 Nathan Rothschild moves into New Court

Nathan Mayer Rothschild established his business in the City, leasing New Court at No.2 St Swithin's Lane, where he began to deal in foreign exchange and bullion.

The first New Court.

1810 The first Rothschild family Partnership agreement

On 27th September 1810, Mayer Amschel Rothschild and three of his five sons, Amschel, Salomon and Carl, became partners in a new firm, Mayer Amschel Rothschild & Sons, the first family partnership that was to endure over the succeeding generations.

The Partnership Agreement of 1810.

1812 Amschel Mayer Rothschild takes over the Frankfurt house

On the death of Mayer Amschel Rothschild in 1812, his son Amschel Mayer assumed control of the Frankfurt house.

Amschel Mayer Rothschild (1773-1855).

1812 James de Rothschild arrives in Paris

James was in Paris from the age of 19, co-ordinating the purchase of specie and bullion for his brother Nathan. Between 1814 and 1815 he was the lynchpin in Nathan’s plan to supply Wellington’s armies with funds. Originally trading as J M Rothschild, in 1817, he changed the name of the firm to de Rothschild Frères with his brothers as partners.

The Paris house in the rue Lafitte.

1815 The 'Waterloo' commission

In the closing years of the Napoleonic Wars, the five Rothschild brothers, commissioned by the British government, ,worked to supply gold to Wellington's army leading up to, and after the Battle of Waterloo. Legend has it that the Rothschilds' unrivalled network brought early news to London of Wellington's victory in 1815.

Commemorative case of coins, 1815: 'An Account of Bullion Specie' inscribed to JC Herries, Commissary-in-Chief to the Government, 1815.

1818 The first Rothschild loan: the Prussian 5% Loan

The loan issued by Nathan Rothschild for Prussia in 1818 is considered by many to be the true precursor of the public borrowing which transformed the international capital market in the nineteenth century.

Prospectus for the 1818 Prussian loan.

1821 Salomon Mayer Rothschild arrives in Vienna

In 1820, the Austrian chancellery entered into negotiations with the House of Rothschild for a large loan that was to take the form of a lottery. Salomon moved to Vienna in 1821, establishing the fourth Rothschild banking house.

Detail of tin box holding Metternich documents.

1821 Carl Mayer Rothschild sets up in Naples

Carl initially went to Naples to negotiate a Neapolitan loan, and settled there in 1821 where he established the Italian branch of the family business, C M de Rothschild & Figli, which was to trade for over for forty years.

Map of Naples, c.1800.

1822 Barons of the Austrian Empire

In 1822, the Austrian Emperor made the five brothers Barons. A coat of arms was adopted that is still used by the family today, featuring the famous five arrows emblem, the red shield and the motto 'Concordia, Integritas, Industria'.

Baronial grant of arms to the Rothschild brothers, 1822.

1824 Bankers to Brazil: the Brazilian 5% Loan

In the early days of Brazil’s political independence N M Rothschild & Sons were major bankers to the Brazilian Government; this loan enabled Brazil to buy its independence from Portugal.

Bond for an early 19th century Brazilian loan, issued by the London bank.

1824 Alliance Assurance Company founded

Founded by Nathan Mayer Rothschild and Moses Montefiore, the Alliance grew to be the largest insurance company in the country with many members of the Rothschild family serving as directors and Chairmen over the years.

Certificate of Insurance of the Alliance Assurance Company.

1825 The house of Rothschild rescues the Bank of England

The bubble of speculating mania burst in 1825 causing a run on the reserves of the the Bank of England; the bank was sustained by a large payment by the house of Rothschild.

The Bank of England.

1834 N M Rothschild appointed Bankers to the United States in Europe

N M Rothschild became Banker to the US Government in Europe, in which capacity the firm pursued the Government's claim to the legacy of James Smithson, leading to the foundation of the Smithsonian Institute.

Scrip certificate for the United States 4½% Loan. In 1839, N M Rothschild & Sons and de Rothschild Frères contracted for a £900,000  loan to the US Bank. In 1872,  N M Rothschild & Sons raised a $15 million bond issue for the City of New York to finance municipal improvements. Further US Government loans followed in 1873, 1875 and 1876.

1836 Lionel Nathan de Rothschild leads the London house

The death of Nathan left his son Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) as senior partner in the new firm N M Rothschild & Sons, which he formed with his three brothers.

Silhouette of Nathan Mayer Rothschild at the Royal Exchange, London.

1837 Salomon von Rothschild builds Austria's first steam railway

Salomon funded the first major steam railway to be built in continental Europe, the Kaiser Ferdinands Nordbahn, which opened in 1837 between Floridsdorf and Deutsch Wagram, and extended to Vienna in 1838.

Cover of a technical manual for the Kaiser Ferdinands-Nordbahn.

1838 Earliest Rothschild trade with China

Evidence of Rothschild trading links with China dates from 1838. Trade in silks feature, alongside tin, tea, cochineal and quicksilver. The commitment of the London bank was confirmed when the Bank joined the Pekin Syndicate, set up in London in 1897 to increase business links with China.

Correspondence between the London house and Jardine Matheson, 1843.

1841 Rothschild cousins and the first tea in Ceylon

The Worms brothers, nephews of Nathan Mayer Rothschild, brought the first cuttings of China jat tea from China to Ceylon and planted them on what became known as the Rothschild tea estate at Pussellawa.

'Rothschild' tea - still being produced today.

1843 Salomon Rothschild buys the Witkowitz (Vítkovice) ironworks

Salomon Rothschild 1774-1855) bought the ironworks at Witkowice (Vítkovice) , and founded the United Coal Mines of Vítkovice and Austro-Hungarian Blast Furnace Company. The works were essential to the development of the new railways spreading out across Europe.

The works at  Witkowice.

1845 de Rothschild Frères develop the Nord line

In 1845, the French government awarded the contract for the first major railway line to be built in the country to James de Rothschild, who envisaged his Chemin de Fer du Nord, running initially between Paris and Valenciennes, joining with the Austrian lines built by his brother, Salomon.

The Gare du Nord, Paris terminus of the line.

1846 Rothschilds raise Irish famine relief funds

The Irish potato famine began in 1842. In December 1846, the Irish Famine Fund, co-ordinated by the British Relief Association held its first official meeting at 148 Piccadilly, the London home of Lionel de Rothschild. The following year, the Irish 3% Loan was contracted for by N M Rothschild & Sons and Baring Brothers to raise funds for the supply of food.

A contemporary engraving of the plight of Irish famine victims, c.1846.

1848 Anslem Salomon von Rothschild takes over the Viennese house

With the self-imposed withdrawal from the business of Salomon Rothschild, his son Anselm Salomon von Rothschild (1803-1874) took over the Viennese house; the first of his generation to be enlisted into the ranks of the family firm.

Ansem Salomon von Rothschild (1803-1874).

1849 Gold: the establishment of a Rothschild agency in San Francisco

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 had awakened Rothschild interest and in 1849 N M Rothschild established an agency under Benjamin Davidson and John May in San Francisco.

Advice published to fortune-hunters in the Californian gold rush, c.1849.

1846 Communication par excellence: Pigeon post

Efficient communications were essential to the Rothschild early business success; a letter dated c.1846 from Nathaniel Rothschild (1812-1870) to his brothers refers to the use of pigeons; “I hope our feathered messengers will have brought you in due time our good prices” he writes.

Telegraphic codes used by the London house.

1851 Mayer Amschel de Rothschild builds Mentmore

Mentmore in Buckinghamshire was designed by Joseph Paxton for Mayer de Rothschild (1818-1874) as a country home and showcase for his collection of fine art. The property passed into the Rosebery family and was famously sold in 1977.

Mentmore, Buckinghamshire, the seat of Mayer de Rothschild (1818-1874).

1852 Foundation of the Hôpital Fondation de Rothschild, Paris

Brought up in Frankfurt's Jewish ghetto, the Rothschild brothers retained a strong social conviction. The Hôpital Fondation de Rothschild was established in Paris by James de Rothschild (1792-1868) to provide free medical care to the needy of all faiths.

Notice of the departments of the Hôpital Fondation de Rothschild c.1919.

1852 Advisers to Queen Victoria & Prince Albert

The London house offered discreet financial advice to select private clients; Balmoral Castle and estate were purchased by Prince Albert with a loan from the Rothschilds. Queen Victoria made regular use of the Rothschild courier service for her overseas correspondence, describing it as ‘perfectly safe and very quick’.

Private account ledgers.

1852 Establishment of the Royal Mint Refinery

The acquisition of the Refinery by Sir Anthony de Rothschild (1810-1876) made the London house a leader in the bullion trade. Over the next hundred years, the refinery would produce gold bullion, later diversifying into the production of copper wire and decorative products, and producing munitions in two world wars. In 1967, N M Rothschild & Sons sold the refinery business to Engelhard Industries Ltd.

Casting gold bars at the Royal Mint Refinery in the 1930s.

1853 James de Rothschild builds Château de Ferrières

The immensely grand Château de Ferrières, Paris was built between 1853 and 1859 by James Rothschild. In the twentieth century, Guy and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild hosted grand costume balls; in 1975 they gave Ferrières to the University of Paris.

Château de Ferrières, Seine-et-Marne.

1853 Nathaniel de Rothschild buys Château Brane Mouton

Nathaniel de Rothschild (1812-1870) began the family's association with great wine. Moving to France from England to marry his cousin Charlotte, he purchased Château Brane Mouton, renaming it Château Mouton Rothschild.

A bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild.

1855 Mayer Carl and Wilhelm Carl von Rothschild become joint partners in the Frankfurt house

On the death of Mayer Amschel Rothschild 1812, his eldest son, Amschel Mayer (1773-1855), took over the management the Frankfurt House. Amschel died childless, and the son of his brother Salomon, Anselm (1803-1874), and the sons of his brother Carl, Mayer Carl (1820-1866) and Wilhelm Carl (1828-1901) assumed responsibility for the business from 1855.

1858 Lionel de Rothschild takes his seat in Parliament as the first Jewish MP

Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) was first elected as an MP for the City of London in 1847. As a Jew, he refused to take an oath, "in the true faith of a Christian" to enter the House of Commons. For eleven years his seat remained empty, until 1858 when the law changed so that MPs could choose between swearing on the Old or the New Testament.

Lionel Nathan de Rothschild introduced in the House of Commons on 26 July 1858 by Lord John Russell and Mr Abel Smith, by Henry Barraud. 

1860 First rebuilding of New Court

Between 1860 and 1865 New Court was rebuilt in the style of a grand Italian ‘palazzo’ to the design of Thomas Marsh Nelson, reflecting the success and power of the business. The second New Court survived for almost exactly a century.

Plans of the second New Court. "New Court...seems to me quite marvellous, and intended for magnificent business”  Charlotte, Baroness Lionel de Rothschild, 1865.

1863 C M de Rothschild e figli in Naples is closed

Carl Rothschild died in 1855, leaving the business in the hands of his son Adolphe (1823-1900), whose two surviving brothers assumed responsibility of the Frankfurt office on the death of their childless uncle in the same year. The unification of the kingdoms of Italy in 1860 saw the diminution of influence of Naples, and the maintenance of a Rothschild house in the city was no longer viable and after forty years, the affairs of the Naples house were wound up.

A painting of the Villa Pignatelli alla Riviera di Chaia, Naples, residence of the Naples Rothschild family.

1868 James de Rothschild acquires Château Lafite

Baron James de Rothschild was a connoisseur of good wine and attracted by the prospect of acquiring a top Médoc estate as an investment. After thirty years of trying, he finally purchased Château Lafite in 1868 but died six months later, never having set foot on the property.

1971 Lafite wine label.

1868 The sons of James de Rothschild succeed him in the Paris house

After James' death, his sons, Alphonse (1827-1905), Gustave (1829-1911) and Edmond (1845-1934), assumed control of the business. The French House continued to fund and build railways, playing a major role in the development of the French and European rail network.

Mayer Alphonse de Rothschild (1827-1905).

1869 Opening of the Evelina Hospital, London

On Tuesday 15 June 1869, the Evelina Hospital for the Care of Sick Children was opened. The Hospital had been founded by Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839-1898), in memory of his wife Evelina (1839-1866), who had died tragically in childbirth.

Evelina de Rothschild (1839-1866).

1869 Alfred de Rothschild appointed a Director of the Bank of England

Alfred de Rothschild (1842-1918) was the first Jew to be appointed a Director of the Bank of England. Alfred liked to move in diplomatic circles, and briefly became Senior Partner of the London house in 1915.

Alfred de Rothschild (1842-1918).

1874 Albert von Rothschild succeeds his father a head of the Viennese house

Anselm Salomon von Rothschild died in 1874, and his son Salomon Albert Anselm took control of the business. Under Albert, S M von Rothschild & Söhne became banker-in-chief to the Austrian government and the family's industrial holdings were increased.

Salomon Albert Anselm von Rothschild (1844-1911).

1875 Lionel de Rothschild assists the British Government to purchase shares in the Suez Canal

Baron Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) is remembered in business for his assistance to the British Government in 1875 to procure the Khedive of Egypt's share in the Suez Canal. Lionel advanced a personal loan of £4 million to his friend Disraeli, a huge sum at the time.

Receipt from the Treasury for the repayment of the first instalment of the 'Suez' loan 9th March 1876.

1879 Nathaniel Mayer Rothschild becomes Senior Partner

Nathaniel Mayer de Rothschild (1840-1915), known as 'Natty' took over the senior partnership of the London House from his father Lionel. Under Natty, the bank made 70 loans (many for railways and infrastructure projects such as the Manchester Ship Canal), and explored business opportunities in new markets.

Nathaniel Mayer, 1st Lord Rothschild (1840-1915).

1881 de Rothschild Frères develop their interests in mining

Mining was just one of the French Rothschild family's considerable interests. The French mining company, Société minière et métallurgique de Peñarroya was founded in part by members of the French family in 1881. In 1883, de Rothschild Frères bought the company Société Le Nickel.

Peñarroya advertisement, 1950s.

1884 Ferdinand de Rothschild completes Waddesdon Manor

Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839-1898) entertained lavishly but alone at the magificent Waddesdon; tragically his young wife Evelina had died in childbirth in 1866. Queen Victoria who spent a day at Waddesdon in 1890 was delighted with the house which housed Ferdinand's fabulous collections.

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire.

1885 Nathaniel Rothschild created the first Jewish peer

Like his father, Nathaniel Mayer de Rothschild (1840-1915, known as 'Natty' was an MP, gaining Aylesbury for the Liberals in 1865. A baronet in succession to his uncle Anthony from 1876, Natty became the first Jewish peer in 1885, becoming Lord Rothschild of Tring.

1885 Creation of the Four Percent Industrial Dwellings Company Ltd

The Four Per Cent Industrial Dwellings Company Ltd was founded by Nathaniel, 1st Lord Rothschild (1840-1915) and a board of prominent Jewish philanthropists including Frederick Mocatta and Samuel Montagu, to provide "the industrial classes with commodious and healthy Dwellings at a minimum rent".

The Four Per Cent Industrial Dwellings Company buildings, East End of London.

1886 Formation of The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company was formed in 1886 with Rothschild capital as a limited investment fund specialising in overseas mining ventures. The Rothschilds already had investments in this field in de Beers and Rio Tinto.

Prospectus for shares in The Exploration Company.

1886 de Rothschild Frères develops interests in Russian oil

In 1886, the French Rothschild bank, de Rothschild Frères, began to develop substantial interests in the Russian oil fields.The bank formed the Caspian and Black Sea Petroleum Company. Increased competition and instability in the region persuaded Rothschilds to sell their interests to Royal Dutch and Shell in 1912.

Oil production in Baku.

1890 Walter, 2nd Lord Rothschild creates his museum of natural history

Lionel Walter, 2nd Lord Rothschild (1868-1937) was famed as a zoologist rather than a banker. When he was 21, his father built him a museum at Tring Park to house his specimens; he also kept a menagerie of live animals. In 1937, the Rothschild family gifted Walter's Museum to the nation; it is now known as the Natural History Museum at Tring.

Inside Walter Rothschild's museum at Tring.

1894 Nathaniel von Rothschild credited with introducing football to Austria

In 1882, Nathaniel von Rothschild (1836-1905) began to create a park at Hohe Warte in Vienna. One of his gardeners' sons, returning from England, set up a team to provide recreation for the estate staff. With land and finance from Nathaniel, the First Vienna Football Club (the first in Austria) was established in 1894.

Pennant of The First Vienna Football Club, c.1960.

1901 Liquidation of M A Rothschild & Söhne, Frankfurt

On the death of Amschel Mayer Rothschild, his nephews Mayer Carl and Wilhelm Carl became partners in the Frankfurt banking house. By 1901, and the death of the remaining partner, Wilhelm Carl, Frankfurt was no longer a significant financial centre and the decision was taken to liquidate M A Rothschild & Söhne, the Frankfurt House.

The Frankfurt banking house, 146, Fahrgasse.

1904 St Amant wins the Derby

Leopold de Rothschild (1845-1917) had become a keen race-goer during his college days at Cambridge. His horse St Amant famously won the 1904 Derby (held during a thunderstorm), beating the favourite, the Prince of Wales' horse.

St Amant, winner of the 1904 Derby, owned by Leopold de Rothschild (1845-1917).

1905 Béatrice Ephrussi builds the villa Ile-de-France

Between 1905 and 1912, Béatrice Ephrussi (née de Rothschild) (1864-1934) created the elegant villa Ile-de-France. Each room was arranged specifically to show off her collections of art and objets d’art. The gardens surrounding the house were particularly beautiful. Béatrice left the house and its contents to the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

The impressive villa Ile-de-France.

1905 Edouard Alphonse and Robert de Rothschild take control of de Rothschild Frères

Alphonse de Rothschild died in 1905, and his son Edouard Alphonse (1868-1949) took control of the business. Surviving a youthful duel, which he fought to combat anti-Semitic insults, Edouard and his younger cousin, Robert (1880-1946), directed the affairs of the Paris House.

 Edouard Alphonse de Rothschild (1868-1949).

1905 The Fondation Opthalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild opens in Paris

The Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild was opened in Paris in 1905 by Adolphe’s widow Caroline (1830-1907). Adolphe (1823-1900) had received treatment for an eye injury and had established a similar clinic in Geneva. Over 80,000 consultations were conducted in the first year.

The Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild.

1907 Lionel de Rothschild wins 'La perla del Mediterraneo’

The ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’ was a speed boat race that took place off the coast of Italy in April 1907, attracting aristocrats and wealthy sportsmen. With clear skies and calm waters, 'The Flying Fish' commanded by Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942), led for all 10 laps of race, winning him a coveted trophy of a Lalique plaque in gold, enamel and pearl.

The ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’ trophy by Lalique, won by Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) in 1907.

1907 Loans to Japan

In 1905, the London house led a syndicate to issue a £25 million loan to the Imperial Japanese Government, followed by further loans by the London and Paris Rothschild banks in 1907, 1910, 1913 and in the 1920s.

Bond certificate for the 1905 Imperial Japanese loan.

1908 Birth of Miriam Rothschild

By the age of four, the scientist, zoologist and entomologist Dame Miriam Rothschild (1908-2005) had started collecting insects, later attending evening classes in zoology. During the 1930s she worked at the Marine Biological Station in Plymouth and spent the war as a code-breaker at Bletchley Park.

Bookplate of Miriam Rothschild by Eric Gill.

1908 Lionel de Rothschild experiments with autochromes

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) was an ardent exponent of the autochrome, an early form of colour photography, made using glass plates. Between 1908 and 1912, he took many autochromes, both in England and at family residences in France and on trips abroad on his yacht.

Autochrome of the Small Mansion, Gunnersbury Park.

1910 Birth of Victor, 3rd Lord Rothschild

Nathaniel Mayer Victor Rothschild (1910-1990) was Cambridge scientist. During the war, he heading a unit specialising in counter-sabotage devices. After the war he became chairman of Shell Research Ltd., and was the first Director General of the Central Policy Review Staff. In the mid-70s he chaired N M Rothschild and Sons Limited.

(Nathaniel Mayer) Victor, 3rd Lord Rothschild (1910-1990).

1911 Lord Rothschild as Chairman of the Alliance Assurance Company declines to insure The 'Titanic'

In 1911, the Rothschild directed firm, the Alliance Assurance Company refused to insure the liner 'Titanic', Lord Rothschild claiming it was "too big to float". It proved to be a wise decision; the ill-fated 'Titanic' sank in the North Atlantic on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg.

RMS 'Titanic'.

1911 The three Rothschild sons manage the Vienna bank

On Albert's death in 1911, Louis von Rothschild (1882-1955) found himself managing the family firm in Vienna, with his two brothers Alphonse (1878-1942) and Eugène (1884-1976). Under the three brothers, the business continued to play an active role in the Witkowitz iron works and the Florisdorf Engineering works.

Louis von Rothschild (1882-1955). 

1912 The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves survey initiated by Charles Rothschild

Between 1912 and 1915, The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, founded by the banker and naturalist Charles Rothschild (1877-1923) conducted the first ever survey of natural habitats in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves evolved into today's Wildlife Trusts.

Original documents from The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves survey, 1912-1915. 

1914 The Aston Clinton Hill Climb

Aston Hill on the Tring Park estate of Nathaniel, 1st Lord Rothschild (1840-1915) was a renowned venue for early motoring events. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford were participants in the Aston Hill Climb, and their success provided the ideal name for their prototype car: the Aston-Martin.

Early racing on Aston Hill.

1915 New Court and the First World War

Alfred de Rothschild (1842-1918), fearful of zeppelin attacks, had air-raid shelters built at New Court. His nephew, Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942), established a Recruiting Committee at New Court in 1915, accepting men for the Bucks Battalions. Tragically, his brother Evelyn (1886-1917), was killed in action in 1917.

New Court c.1920.

1915 Alfred de Rothschild becomes Senior Partner

Alfred (1842-1918) succeeded his brother Nathaniel, 1st Lord Rothschild as Senior Partner of the London banking house. His wide social circle supplied private clients, including many from the world of entertainment. Alfred liked to move in diplomatic circles, and was a Director of the Bank of England.

1917 The Balfour Declaration is addressed to Walter, 2nd Lord Rothschild

The Balfour Declaration was a letter from the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to Lionel Walter, 2nd Lord Rothschild, in his capacity as unofficial leader of the British Jewish community. The letter concerned the favourability by the Government of the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.

The Balfour Declaration, 1917.

1917 Evelyn de Rothschild and Anthony de Rothschild become Partners at New Court

The brothers of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882-1952), Evelyn Achille (1886-1917), and Anthony Gustav (1887-1961) were admitted to the family partnership at New Court in 1917. Tragically, Evelyn Achille was killed in the Palestine Campaign in 1917; Anthony would go on lead the bank during the Second World War.

Evelyn Achille de Rothschild (1886-1917).

1918 Charles Rothschild, scientist and organiser, becomes Senior Partner at New Court

On the death of his uncle Alfred in 1918, Charles (1877-1923) took over the Senior Partner's desk at New Court. Educated at Harrow, (where he displayed a great talent for entomology), the bank at New Court benefited from his practical and systematic approach to the organisation of the firm.

Nathaniel Charles Rothschild (1877-1923), on a trip to Japan, 1902.

1919 Lionel de Rothschild purchases Exbury

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) bought the Exbury estate in 1919. It was Lionel’s gardening passion which led him to choose Exbury; here he cultivated hundreds of new hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas for which the estate has become famous.

1919 The first Gold Fixing takes place at New Court

The 12 September 1919 saw the first Gold Fixing take place at New Court. Every day, the representatives of the five members of the London Gold Market would assemble to achieve a balance of buyers and sellers until the price was fixed. The final Gold Fixing to be hosted by N M Rothschild & Sons took place at New Court on 4 May 2004.

Gold bars produced by the Rothschild-run Royal Mint Refinery in the 1930s.

1923 Lionel Nathan de Rothschild becomes Senior Partner at New Court

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) was educated at Harrow and Cambridge before taking his place as a partner at New Court. Under Lionel, the bank began a steady transition towards advisory work and finance raising for commercial concerns, including successful bond issues for the London Underground.

Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882-1942). 

1923 Baron Edmond de Rothschild establishes the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association

A strong supporter of Zionism, Baron Edmond underwrote the purchase of land and the creation of Jewish settlements in Palestine and Israel. In 1923, he created the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), to acquire land and support economic development. Edmond's large donations helped lead to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Baron Edmond de Rothschild (1845-1934).

1924 Hannah Mathilde's legacy in Frankfurt

In Frankfurt, the seven daughters of Louise von Rothschild (1820-1894) were responsible for many of the family's 30 charitable foundations, including a public library, swimming bath, orphanage, and hospitals. Hannah Mathilde (1832-1924), the last of the Frankfurt Rothschilds endowed six charitable foundations, and in her will she made many charitable bequests.

Bookplate from the Carl von Rothschild Library, Frankfurt.

1925 Gunnersbury becomes a public park

Gunnersbury was purchased by Nathan Mayer Rothschild shortly before his death in 1836. The estate was much loved by the family, succeeding generations enlarging the park and adding a pleasure lake. In 1925, the Rothschilds sold Gunnersbury to the boroughs of Acton and Ealing for use as a public park.

Map of the Gunnersbury estate, 1849.

1928 N M Rothschild & Sons finances expansion of the London Underground

Together with Barings and Schroders, N M Rothschild & Sons helped arrange the share capital of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London Ltd to develop extensions to the network in 1929 and 1930, the most notable of these projects being the extension of the Piccadilly Line.

Map that accompanied the prospectus for the Underground Railways loan of 1928.

1931 N M Rothschild & Sons respond to the Creditanstalt crisis in Austria

N M Rothschild & Sons chaired the Committee to rescue the Austrian Creditanstalt, which had collapsed early in 1931, precipitating a global financial crisis. The Creditanstalt, originally founded in 1855 by the Austrian Rothschilds, was ultimately rescued by the Austrian Republic, the National Bank of Austria and the Rothschild family.

The Creditanstalt building, Vienna.

1933 Support for German Jewish refugees

In the early 1930s, the Rothschild family quickly responded to the plight of Jews across Europe. Anthony (1887-1961) and Yvonne de Rothschild (1899-1977) co-ordinated efforts from New Court to assist refugees through the Central British Fund for Jewish Relief & Rehabilitation.

Jewish refugee children from Vienna arriving at Harwich in 1938.

1936 Lionel de Rothschild and The Roads Beautifying Association

In the 1930s, Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) a passionate gardener, was involved with The Roads Beautifying Association, which had been founded in 1928 to make horticultural expertise available to local authorities and others responsible for highway planting and the management of the urban landscape.

Cover of the annual report of The Roads Beautifying Association for 1937.

1938 The Rothschilds in Europe flee Nazi persecution

The Vienna banking house closed in March 1938. Louis von Rothschild (1882-1955) was held under house arrest for a year before handing over most of his assets to the new Nazi regime; the Viennese business was placed under administration and sold. In France, members of the Rothschild family left via Spain to Portugal, assisted by Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese Consul-General in Bordeaux, who, defying his Government's orders, issued visas to thousands of refugees. The family supported the war effort from Britain, Canada and the USA.

It was not until 1955 that the family were able to negotiate the return of their estates in Europe. The box above contained the ‘Moscow Papers’, archives of the Viennese family originally looted during the Second World War.

1940 Supporting the war effort: New Court and the Royal Mint Refinery

Although much of the business was evacuated to the Rothschild estate, Tring Park, the Partners were adamant that they would remain in the City for the duration. New Court was equipped with fire-fighting apparatus, the basement strengthened, and a fire-watching rota set up. The Royal Mint Refinery was directed to making munitions. Luckily, New Court sustained minor damage in the London Blitz of 1941.

The devastation of the City after the war.

1942 Anthony Gustav de Rothschild becomes sole Partner, N M Rothschild & sons

Anthony Gustav de Rothschild (1887-1961) became Senior Partner following the sudden death of his brother Lionel in the dark days of the Second World War. Anthony took a special interest in the work of The Royal Mint Refinery. Anthony died in 1961, after a long illness, remembered as 'not only a charming companion, but a man of high principles and great integrity'.

Anthony Gustav de Rothschild (1887-1961).

1946 Château Mouton 'Victory Year' wine label

It was Baron Philippe de Rothschild (1902-1988) who conceived the idea of dedicating the Château Mouton Rothschild vintage to Victory Year; the 1945 wine label was designed by Philippe Jullian, who chose a 'V' surrounded by vines. From 1945 onwards a contemporary artist has been commissioned to illustrate the label with an original work.

The 1945 Château Mouton 'Victory Year' wine label.

1946 The French family transform Paris Orléans

After the Second World War, the Rothschild family took over the remains of Paris Orléans (a former railway company in their portfolio), and transformed it into a holding company for its banking activities and corporate investments. Paris Orléans was renamed Rothschild & Co in 2015.

Bond of the old Paris Orléans Railway Company.

1947 Rothschilds in the United States: The Amsterdam Overseas Corporation:

Edouard (1868-1949) and Robert (1880-1946) de Rothschild, joint-partners in de Rothschild Frères arrived in the USA in 1940 from German-occupied France. In 1947 the Rothschilds in New York created the Amsterdam Overseas Corporation, with Pierson, Heldring, Pierson of Amsterdam. This firm eventually became Rothschild Inc., with support from N M Rothschild & Sons in London.

New York in the 1940s.

1947 Edmund de Rothschild becomes a Partner, N M Rothschild & Sons

Educated at Harrow and Cambridge, Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009), had been sent by his father on an 18-month tour around the world in 1937. He returned to England in May 1939 and worked at N M Rothschild & Sons until the outbreak of war in September. He became a Partner in N M Rothschild & Sons upon his return from service in North Africa.

Edmund Leopold de Rothschild (1916-2009).

1949 Guy de Rothschild becomes head of de Rothschild Frères

After distinguished war service, Guy de Rothschild (1909-2007) took control of the Paris bank in 1949 when his father Edouard died. Guy was with Associé de M M de Rothschild Frères between 1936 and 1967 and was President of the Banque Rothschild between 1968 and 1978.

Guy de Rothschild (1909-2007).

1953 N M Rothschild & Sons finance development of natural resources in Canada

In 1953, under the guidance of Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009), N M Rothschild & Sons led a syndicate to develop land in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The key to the development project was a power station to harness the Hamilton (later renamed Churchill) Falls, at the time, the largest construction project ever undertaken by a private company.

Map of Labrador, c.1960.

1956 N M Rothschild & Sons establishes the Merchant Bank of Central Africa

The Merchant Bank of Central Africa (MBCA) was set up by N M Rothschild & Sons with a number of corporate partners with the aim of replicating as far as possible in Africa the functions of a City of London merchant bank. By 1984, the MBCA had achieved the reputation of being the leading bank for corporate finance in Zimbabwe.

Downtown Salisbury, Rhodesia, c.1960.

1956 Leopold de Rothschild becomes a Partner at New Court

In 1956, Leopold de Rothschild (1927-2012) joined the family firm at New Court after National Service in the Royal Navy, Cambridge and training at other banks. He became heavily involved in re-establishing Rothschild’s Latin American offices, especially Mexico, Chile and Brazil. From 1970 to 1983 he sat as a Director on the Court of the Bank of England.

Leopold David de Rothschild (1927-2012).

1957 Dorothy de Rothschild: patron of the arts and Jewish philanthropist

After the death of James de Rothschild (1878-1957), his widow Dorothy (1895-1988), gave the spectacular mansion Waddesdon Manor and its splendid contents to the National Trust. In 1958, she established Yad Hanadiv (Memorial of the Benefactor) in 1957 to pursue ideals James and his father Edmond had nurtured for Israel and to contribute towards the advancement ‘of science, art and culture in Israel’.

The grey drawing room, Waddesdon Manor.

1959 N M Rothschild & Sons sets up its first unit trust

N M Rothschild & Sons, recognising the growing popularity of unit trusts, (a form of collective investment constituted under a trust deed which pools investors' money into a single fund, managed by a fund manager) set up its first unit trust, the Shield Fund in 1959.

The second New Court, in the 1960s.

1959 Evelyn de Rothschild becomes a Partner of N M Rothschild & Sons

Aged 26, Evelyn de Rothschild (1931-2022) (later Sir Evelyn) joined N M Rothschild & Sons to be trained in the family's business. Evelyn oversaw the rebuilding of New Court in the early 1960s and served as Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited from 1976 to 2003, pioneering the firm’s involvement in the Conservative government's privatisation programme.

The second New Court in the 1960s.

1960 Edmund de Rothschild becomes Senior partner and the first non-Rothschild partner appointed

Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009) became Senior Partner in 1960, managing a period of consolidation for the firm, presiding over the bank's transition from a highly conservative family firm to a modern institution. He opened the partnership to non-family members, beginning with David Colville (1909-1987), who was appointed in July 1960 as the first non-Rothschild partner.

The Partners' Room in the second New Court.

1963 Edmond de Rothschild forms La Compagnie Financière

1963 saw the creation of La Compagnie Financière Edmond de Rothschild (LCF). Founded by Edmond de Rothschild (1926-1997), the Swiss-based firm began as a venture capital house, and developed into an investment bank and asset management company. In 2010, the LCF Rothschild group changed its name to the group Edmond de Rothschild.

Edmond de Rothschild (1926-1997).

1963 Jacob Rothschild becomes a Partner of N M Rothschild & Sons

In 1963, Jacob Rothschild (b.1936) (now the 4th Lord Rothschild), became a Partner in N M Rothschild & Sons, after Eton and Oxford. Jacob left the bank in 1980, to create Rothschild Investment Trust (now RIT Capital Partners plc). Jacob went on to found J. Rothschild Assurance Group (now St. James's Place plc) with Sir Mark Weinberg in 1991.

1964 Rothschild returns to Manchester

In 1964 N M Rothschild & Sons opened a new office in Manchester, marking a return to the city where Nathan Mayer Rothschild had established Rothschild Brothers in 1799 as agents to coordinate the supply of British textiles to the continental market. When Nathan moved to London in 1809, the Manchester business was taken over by one of his clerks, Joseph Barber.

Mossley St, Manchester, where Nathan Mayer Rothschild had a house.

1965 The London bank occupies new offices at New Court

In 1965, N M Rothschild & Sons moved into their new strikingly modern building in St Swithin's Lane. Designed by Fitzroy Robinson and Partners, the six-storey glass, marble and steel building on the site of the old New Court incorporated features from the 1865 building such as cobblestones from the courtyard and Victorian panelling. The staff of the firm now numbered over 300.

Architects' model of the third New Court.

1967 Creation of Banque Rothschild and the re-building of the French bank

Following French government reform of banking regulations, de Rothschild Frères became Banque Rothschild, a limited-liability company in 1967; Banque Rothschild was created in 1968, functioning as a deposit bank. At Easter 1970, a new modern bank building was inaugurated at 21 rue Laffitte, Paris.

The new Rothschild bank building in the rue Lafitte, Paris.

1967 N M Rothschild & Sons finance the Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge

N M Rothschild & Sons arranged the finance for The President Costa e Silva Bridge (commonly known as the Rio-Niteroi Bridge), the sixth longest in the world. From its completion in 1974 until 1985 it was the world's second-longest bridge, second only to Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

The President Costa e Silva Bridge, commonly known as the Rio-Niteroi Bridge.

1968 Creation of Rothschild Bank AG

Rothschild Bank AG was established in Zurich by members of the British and French Rothschild families in 1968. Since then, it has grown into an international private banking group with offices around the world, providing private banking and asset management services to individuals, families, and charities worldwide.

Zurch, where Rothschild Bank AG is based.

1970 N M Rothschild & Sons becomes a limited company

On 30 September 1970, the company founded by Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836) ceased to be a partnership and became a limited company, N M Rothschild & Sons Limited. The firm was the last London accepting house to relinquish its private partnership status.

Rothschild cheque book cover from the 1960s.

1973 Mr Edmund de Rothschild awarded the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure

TThe London house began arranging loans on behalf of Japan in the early 1900s. In 1962, Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009) led a City of London mission to strengthen commercial ties with Japan. In 1973, The Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st class, one of Japan’s highest honours, was conferred upon Edmund in recognition of his endeavours to promote Japanese-British friendship.

The Order of the Sacred Treasure, one of Japan’s highest honours, conferred upon Edmund de Rothschild in 1973.

1973 Rothschild Asset Management Limited is established in London

The London bank's investment division N M Rothschild Asset Management Limited (RAM) was incorporated in 1973, becoming its sister company in 1986. RAM specialised in the management of the assets of major pension funds and insurance companies and offered unit trusts and other investment vehicles to investors.

Coupons from a 19th century Rothschild bond issue.

1974 Banque Rothschild establishes Imétal

Imétal was created by the French Rothschilds in 1974 to expand their considerable raw material interests. Imétal grew rapidly, acquiring interests in the United States and Britain. The French house lost its stake in the company when the bank was nationalised in 1981, but Rothschild expertise was missed and family members were invited to join the board.

Coal mines of the French Rothschilds, Pas-de-Calais, France.

1975 Victor, 3rd Lord Rothschild becomes Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited

In 1975, Victor, 3rd Lord Rothschild (1910-1990) became Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited succeeding Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009) who retired after 36 years of service. In 1976, the chairmanship passed to Evelyn de Rothschild (1931-2022), although Victor remained active in the firm until his death.

1976 Evelyn de Rothschild becomes Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited

In 1976, Evelyn de Rothschild (1931-2022), succeeded his cousin Victor, 3rd Lord Rothschild (1910-1990) as Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited. Sir Evelyn served as Chairman until 2003 when, together with his cousin Baron David de Rothschild (b.1942) he oversaw the merger of the family's French and UK houses.

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild.

1982 Nationalisation of Banque Rothschild

Banque Rothschild, the business established in Paris by James de Rothschild in 1812 was one of 39 to be compulsorily nationalised by the French government; the business became Compagnie Européenne de Banque. Following the nationalisation, the family established a new banking operation, using the company Paris Orléans. In 1986, the French Rothschilds were granted the right to use family name again, as Rothschild & Associés Banque.

A safe from the original French bank in the rue Laffitte on display at New Court.

1982 The creation of Rothschild Inc. in the United States

During the Second World War, America became a place of refuge for many members of the Rothschild family. In 1942, the Rothschilds in Paris and London established the Amsterdam Overseas Corporation in New York. Its business grew steadily and in the wake of its success it was reformed, first in 1967 as the investment bank New Court Securities. In January 1982, the American operation was again reformed, under a new name, Rothschild Inc.

1983 Regrouping of the French family's business

Following the compulsory nationalisation of Banque Rothschild in 1982, the family relaunched their activities through Paris Orléans, a former Rothschild railway company. In 1983, David, Nathaniel and Eric de Rothschild, together with six colleagues re-started the business, creating P.O. Gestion as a banking operation. In 1986, the French Rothschilds were granted the right to use family name again, as Rothschild & Associés Banque.

1984 N M Rothschild & Sons Limited and Privatisation

Rothschilds' first involvement in the field of privatisation was in 1971, when the British Government asked N M Rothschild & Sons to handle the sale of the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation. Under the chairmanship of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, N M Rothschild & Sons was to handle many government privatisations in the 1980s and 1990s: British Telecommunications (1984), British Gas, with its famous campaign slogan "If you see Sid, tell him" (1986), British Steel (1988), Regional Water Authorities (1989), Regional Electricity Companies (1990), Railtrack (1993) and British Coal (1994).

1989 Rothschild banking business returns to Frankfurt

In 1989 the London and Paris Rothschilds announced the opening of a Frankfurt subsidiary. Rothschild GmbH marked the return of a Rothschild bank to the city where Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744-1812) had established his business as a merchant, and where the five Rothschild brothers were born.

The old City of Frankfurt-am-Main.

1992 Yad Hanadiv philanthropy in Israel

In 1992, the Supreme Court building in Jerusalem, supported by Yad Hanadiv, the foundation established by Dorothy de Rothschild, was inaugurated. In 1957, Dorothy’s husband James (1878-1957) had bequeathed money to fund the building of a Jewish Parliament House, the Knesset, which opened in 1966.

The Israel Supreme Court building, endowed by Yad Hanadiv.

1996 Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

In September 1996 N M Rothschild & Sons Limited signed an historical Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to develop jointly financial advisory business in China and internationally. Rothschilds’ Shanghai office opened for business in 1994.

Letter from Rothschild agents G C Schwabe & Co. in Shanghai, China, 1858.

1996 N M Rothschild & Sons Limited joint venture with ABM AMRO

N M Rothschild & Sons Limited formed an equity capital markets joint venture with ABN AMRO. The joint venture combined Rothschilds' capital markets advisory experience with ABN AMRO's global trading capabilities to provide advisory services to governments and corporations in the field of privatisations, equity offerings, and private placements. The joint venture was discontinued in 2007.

The former ABN-AMRO building, Rotterdam.

1998 Celebration of the Bicentenary of the arrival of Nathan Rothschild in Britain

1998 marked 200 years since Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836) set off from Frankfurt to England, laying the foundations of the business that was to become N M Rothschild & Sons. To mark the anniversary, an official history of the business was commissioned, and a major exhibition ‘The Life & Times of NMR, 1777-1836’ opened at the Museum of London.

Constance, Lady Battersea (née de Rothschild) (1843-1931).

2003 David de Rothschild becomes Rothschild Group Chairman

In 2003, after 44 years with the family firm, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild stepped down as Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons Limited. The appointment of David de Rothschild as the Rothschild Group Chairman brought together again the English and French Rothschild business houses, the realisation of a long-held plan to unify structures for all of the financial entities held by the businesses.

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Baron David de Rothschild in the third New Court.

2010 The 'Plastiki' crosses the Pacific

In 2010, David de Rothschild (b.1978), the ecologist and environmentalist crossed the Pacific in the 'Plastiki', a catamaran made out of reclaimed plastic bottles and other recycled plastic waste products to raise awareness of global plastic pollution.

The Plastiki.

2011 The Fourth New Court opens for business

In 2008, work began on the re-building of New Court and in 2011 a striking 15 storey glass and steel building to the designs of architect Rem Koolhaas and his practice OMA opened on St Swithin's Lane. The fourth New Court opens up new views of the church of St Stephen Walbrook and the London skyline. The interior includes many references to the company's history, and a new oak reading room for The Rothschild Archive. In 2012 The fourth New Court was shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

The fourth New Court.

2011 Domaines Barons de Rothschild develops its first Chinese vineyard

In 2011, Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owner of Château Lafite, in partnership with the Chinese state-owned investment corporation China International Trust and Investment Corporation, began to develop its first Chinese vineyard planted at Penglai, Shandong province, China to recreate Bordeaux-style wine made on Chinese soil.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild logo.

2012 Bicentenary of the arrival of James de Rothschild in Paris

In 2012, the Bibliothèque nationale de France held the exhibition 'The Rothschilds in France in the 19th century', to celebrate two hundred years since the arrival of James de Rothschild from Frankfurt. James arrived in Paris in 1812, aged twenty. He rapidly became one the protagonists in the world of the high finance.

Cover of the Exhibition catalogue, 2012.

2015 Rebranding to Rothschild & Co.

In 2015, the firm rebranded to become Rothschild & Co. At the same time, the parent company, formerly known as Paris Orléans, changed its name to Rothschild & Co. to match the trading name of the business. The Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans had been founded in 1838 as a railway company; after the Second World War, the French branch of the Rothschild family transformed it into a holding company for its banking activities.

Bond for the original Paris Orléans Railway Company.

2015 Ariane de Rothschild appointed CEO, Edmond de Rothschild Group

In January 2015, Ariane de Rothschild was appointed chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the Edmond de Rothschild Group, a finance company founded in 1953 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild specialising in asset management and private banking.

Logo of the Group Edmond de Rothschild.

2017 Rothschild & Co completes merger with Compagnie Financière Martin Maurel

In 2017, Rothschild & Co acquired the family-controlled French private bank, Compagnie Financière Martin Maurel. This merger united the businesses of two European financial families. After the acquisition, Rothschild & Co became the leading private bank in France.

Rothschild & Co logo.

2018 Alexandre de Rothschild becomes Executive Chairman, Rothschild & Co

In 2018, Rothschild & Co announced the appointment of Alexandre de Rothschild as Executive Chairman, succeeding his father, Baron David de Rothschild. Before joining the group, Alexandre gained substantial experience in investment banking and private equity in New York and London.

Detail from a historic Rothschild bond.

2018 Saskia de Rothschild takes over at Château Lafite

In April 2018, Baron Eric de Rothschild's daughter, Saskia became the youngest person to lead a first growth Bordeaux estate, also becoming the first female chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), the extended family's global wine business.

2020 Rothschild & Co advises on sale of shareholdings in the world’s largest offshore wind farm project

Rothschild & Co. acted as sole financial adviser to Equinor ASA and SSE plc on the sale of a shareholdings in the Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B wind farm projects, the first two phases of construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the Dogger Bank Project located off the north-east coast of England.

Bill for repairs to tennis courts at Gunnersbury Park 1915.

2021 Rothschild & Co acquires Banque Pâris Bertrand

In 2021, Rothschild & Co Bank AG, Rothschild & Co's Wealth Management subsidiary, completed its acquisition of Banque Pâris Bertrand, a renowned private bank with headquarters in Switzerland and offices in Geneva and Luxembourg.

2023 Concordia announces plans to take Rothschild & Co private

In February 2023, Concordia, the Rothschild family's holding company announced it was planning to take its financial business, Rothschild & Co. private, and was in talks with banks and current and prospective equity investors to finance an offer for the Paris-listed group.