Retractable Y-shaped foils, adjustable in three dimensions

Inspired by the appendages of the America's Cup foiling monohulls, these Y-shaped foils have a wingspan of over 5 metres. They are designed to generate powerful lift, increase power and offer a wide range of adjustments to optimise flight at every point of sail and in all conditions. Beyond their impressive size, these foils feature many unique innovations.

Revolutionary U-shaped rudders

These are probably the most visually striking innovations on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. To fly high above rough seas while maintaining control, the team wanted very long rudders that would remain in contact with the water. The challenge is that longer rudders tend to flex under load, severely affecting steering and the efficiency of their lifting surfaces. A new geometry was needed to give these appendages maximum stiffness, resist cavitation and ultimately improve control of the boat and make better use of its power. The result is a set of U-shaped rudders over 4 metres long, a metre longer than those on Gitana 17. Their shape, reminiscent of a tripod or an inverted π, is only the visible part of what makes them so distinctive.

A daggerboard optimised to stabilise the boat and limit cavitation

With its wide span, the daggerboard resembles an aircraft tail assembly, with two adjustable flaps: one on the vertical section and the other on the horizontal section, the distinctive “manta-ray wing”. On Gitana 18, the innovation is to position this wing behind the vertical part of the appendage, rather than directly beneath it, to minimise flow disturbance and cavitation.

Rig: adjustable spreaders to control mainsail power while sailing

Gitana 18’s mast is 1.50 metres taller than its predecessor’s. The boom is also shorter, creating a more slender sail plan. The major innovation is a set of spreaders that can be adjusted while sailing to bend the mast fore and aft. Actuated by hydraulic rams, these spreaders can pivot through 35 degrees to adjust the bend in the middle of the mast. This unprecedented system allows the sailor to control mainsail power: adding depth in light winds to take off sooner, or flattening the sail to reduce power at high speed or in strong winds. Adjusting the depth, and therefore the power, of the mainsail can also save a solo sailor time and energy by reducing the need for risky manoeuvres or headsail changes.

Central hull:
an integrated, structural coachroof

The naval architects and Gitana design team wanted an exceptionally stiff, structurally robust platform. This applies both to the floats, which must withstand heavy loads from the foils and rudders, and to the central hull, which is subject to torsion. The enclosed coachroof is integrated into the hull and contributes to its structural strength. Inside, the cockpit brings all sail-handling controls together, with ergonomics shaped by many hours of design and development. The coachroof also stands out for the number and size of its windows. This configuration meets the visibility requirements of the Ultim class rules and gives sailors the best possible view to keep a visual watch.

18.11.2023

The Maxi Edmond de Rothschild heads back out to sea.

Late last Tuesday in Martinique, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild crossed the finish line of the Transat Jacques Vabre - Normandie Le Havre. Charles Caudrelier and Erwan Israël secured third place in the ULTIM category after more than 16 days at sea. Their podium place came as the result of a brave struggle and with hindsight the duo made no secret of…

par Gitana

Late last Tuesday in Martinique, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild crossed the finish line of the Transat Jacques Vabre – Normandie Le Havre. Charles Caudrelier and Erwan Israël secured third place in the ULTIM category after more than 16 days at sea. Their podium place came as the result of a brave struggle and with hindsight the duo made no secret of their pride at getting their injured animal safely dockside in Fort-de-France. Four days later, thanks to some exemplary work by her shore team, the five-arrow giant has been able to set a course for home and her base with a view to a rapid refit and, most importantly, the singlehanded round the world race, the Arkea Ultim Challenge.

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The solidarity and efficiency of the members of Gitana Team

Throughout their course between Le Havre and Martinique, Charles Caudrelier and Erwan Israël had to contend with a boat, which was no longer able to race at her full potential, due to being deprived of two key pieces. Indeed, very early on in the race, the crew discovered problems with the helming system, which hampered performance. At the finish in Fort-de-France, the shore team on site very quickly got to the root cause of the difficulties, namely damage to the starboard rudder float, which was seriously damaged, very likely in the opening minutes of the race. To port, the foil has also been highly impacted, as has the fairing on the beam.

In just three days, Gitana Team’s shore crew has toiled non-stop and worked miracles. This Saturday then, the five-arrow Maxi is heading back out to sea, bound for her port of registry in Lorient, Brittany, which she’s set to reach in a week’s time.

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“The team has done an incredible job to ensure that the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild can quickly set sail again for her home port of Lorient. Our team’s strength lies in the fact that we know how to step up to the plate at key moments like this,” admitted Cyril Dardashti, who has headed the Gitana Team for the past 15 years. “This team likes a challenge and it proves that time and time again. Thank you to them,” concluded Charles Caudrelier, who is leaving the helm of Gitana 17 to his co-skipper Erwan Israël for this return delivery trip.

With 50 days until the start of the Arkea Ultim Challenge, the first round the world race specially designed for ULTIMs, and the first such singlehanded race, the countdown is on to the start in Brest on 7 January 2024. As such, the team is fully mobilised to complete the express refit and be on the next starting line.

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