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.

26.10.2022

Charles Caudrelier and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild dock into Saint Malo.

par Gitana

At sunset yesterday, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild and her skipper Charles Caudrelier made their grand entrance into the Bassin Vauban. This arrival in Saint Malo was accompanied by a passage through Le Naye lock, enabling them to come alongside at the foot of the ramparts surrounding the walled city. An eagerly awaited moment, as it triggers the launch of the countdown to the start, it is also a period tinged with dread for the shore teams. Indeed, involving a passage through a marine corridor measuring some 150 m long and 25 m wide, with Gitana 17 measuring 32 m long by 23 m wide, suffice to say that things were pretty tight! However, the operation went like clockwork and today a steady stream of visitors and enthusiasts of the sea and offshore racing began to flock to the docks of Saint Malo to come and admire the giants of the seas.

Charles Caudrelier, favourite ‘rookie’

Since his arrival at the helm of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, in 2019, Charles Caudrelier has won it all! Double-handed, with Franck Cammas, in crewed format with notable wins in the Rolex Fastnet Race, as well as more recently singlehanded in the 24hr Ultim race contested in early October. This flawless performance, combined with the level of technical maturity attained by the five-arrow giant, has earned Charles the status of favourite. In truth though, the sailor is participating in his very first Route du Rhum! Typically cool as a cucumber, the skipper is more amused than worried by this label. “This status isn’t very important to my mind. The standard in our category is very similar with six of the eight entries clearly very much in contention for victory in Guadeloupe. It’s the status of winner that interests me,”smiled Charles Caudrelier.

Gitana and the Route du Rhum, 2002 – 2022

The Route du Rhum is a picture postcard of the technological evolution of the boats over time. Since its creation in 2000, the Gitana Team has always been present at the start of this legendary transatlantic race between Saint Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre and its history is also built around this major offshore race meet.

Moreover, the team’s victory in 2006 constitutes one of the finest chapters for the racing stable fitted out by Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild. Just like in 2018, it’s the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, which will proudly display the family coat of arms at the foot of the ramparts in Saint Malo in 2022. However, four years on, it’s a much more polished maxi-trimaran which will line up for the start on 6 November offshore of the corsair city with one Charles Caudrelier at the helm.

2002, an eventful debut

Boat: Gitana X
Type: Orma trimaran 18.28 m

2006, the mighty ‘Rhum expressway’

Victory for Lionel Lemonchois in 7 days 17h 19 min 6 seconds
Boat: Gitana 11
Type: Orma trimaran 18.28 m

2010, the return of the giants

Boat: Gitana 11
Signature: the trimaran was extended from 18.28 m to 23.51 m for the race
Result: 4th

2014, gambling on innovation

Boat: Gitana XV
Signature: T-shaped rudder, Tom Thumb of the fleet
Result: 3rd
Type: Multi70 21.20 m

2018, the first of the Flying Maxis

Boat: Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, alias Gitana 17
Type: 32-metre Maxi-trimaran

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