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.

10.11.2022

Exiting the English Channel and a zigzag dance.

par Gitana

Since setting sail from Saint Malo yesterday afternoon, the bulk of the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe fleet has already rounded the north-west tip of Brittany this Thursday morning, washing their hands with the copious passage out of the English Channel by way of an introduction. The first to pass the island of Ushant yesterday evening, shortly before midnight, and make the transition into the Bay of Biscay, Charles Caudrelier was still leading the Ultims at 09:00 UTC, with a lead of over 16 miles in relation to Thomas Coville. And in order to hold onto the top spot secured at the start, the skipper of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild has spared no effort.

A game of tack changes

“The first few hours of racing were great but very, very physical! We were at the top of the J2 range with a lot of manoeuvres to perform. As a result, I made a few more tack changes than some of my playmates. It was very tough, but it was fantastic being embroiled in a great battle. I was ill after the start, food poisoning I think, so I made a few silly little mistakes… but things are beginning to get better now. The Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is doing well. We’re nicely positioned, we’re sailing well and the boat is quick. I’ve managed to get some sleep too… which isn’t bad. There’s still a very long way to go and it’s going to be hard as I believe the exit from the English Channel has already really tired us all out,” admitted Charles Caudrelier on the first morning of this 12th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.

Penalty for crossing the start too early,

Deemed by the Race Committee to have been on the start line too early, Charles Caudrelier does not believe that he crossed this famous virtual line before the starting gun, so he has requested redress from Race Management. The jury will likely hear the appeal very shortly.

Position report for the Ultims on Thursday 10 November 2022 at 09:00 UTC

1.     Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (Charles Caudrelier) some 3,272.7 miles from the finish
2.     Sodebo Ultim 3 (Thomas Coville) 16.7 miles behind the leader
3.     Banque Populaire XI (Armel Le Cléac’h) 26.6 miles behind
4.     SVR Lazartigue (François Gabart) 35.4 miles behind
5.     Actual Ultim 3 (Yves Le Blévec) 58.7 miles behind
6.     Mieux (Arthur Levaillant) 110.1 miles behind
7.     Idec Sport (Francis Joyon) 114.3 miles behind
8.     Use it Again (Romain Pilliard) making a technical pit stop in Roscoff