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.

02.07.2022

Slipping along towards the latitudes of Cape Finisterre.

par Gitana

Since setting sail from Concarneau yesterday, Friday 1 July at 11:00 UTC, the Finistère Atlantique Challenge Action Enfance fleet has had a varied first day at sea. Though the first few miles had to be negotiated in light airs, conditions which are always tricky and dreaded by sailors, the large trimarans were able to quickly accelerate away, gaining ground to the west where the four competing crews could hunt down steadier winds at the tail end of a front. Getting off to a brilliant start in the bay of Concarneau and following an initial winning option down the inside track at Glénan, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild led the fleet offshore. After 24 hours at sea, Charles Caudrelier’s men have managed to hold onto their lead, but behind them the hunt is on, with the fleet making a high average speed of 30 knots as it makes towards the north-west tip of Spain. From there, they’ll launch onto another round in what promises to be much more boisterous wind and sea conditions.

A front rolling through

“Conditions during yesterday’s start were mild and we played the game well, on a beat in the breeze of the bay of Port-la-Forêt. The course at the start went very smoothly as we came out on top and that meant we were the first to set a course to the west, whilst still on a beat, to hunt down a front and stronger winds overnight. Over this section, being at the front of the fleet was an advantage, because we latched onto the breeze before our rivals. We were able to create a bit of separation in relation to our pursuers, which is always nice! We got through the front at around 12:00-01:00 UTC this morning and since then we’ve been on starboard tack in the drizzle on a SW’ly heading. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a drag race with the crew of Banque Populaire, which is quick in these conditions, and that’s been nice and motivating,” enthused Erwan Isräel early this morning.

A long downwind sprint towards the Canaries

This morning, the gennaker – the largest headsail – adorned with the iconic mermaid penned by artist Cleon Peterson, was out on the deck of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. It’s a change of sail wardrobe, which is synonymous with slipping along southwards at high speed. “We’ve linked onto the long downwind sprint towards Madeira and the Canaries, our next course marks. However, it’s not a straight-line course and we’ll doubtless have to put in a gybe within the next few hours to close on Portugal, where the winds will be stronger”, explained Erwan Israël.

Indeed, shortly after 13:00 UTC this Saturday, both Charles Caudrelier and Armel le Cléac’h’s crew had already gybed to begin pointing their giants’ bows towards the Iberian coast.

“We’re enjoying the champagne sailing at the moment, with little breeze and flat seas for now. We’re going fast and we’re sizing up the competition, which isn’t very far away so we can watch what they’re up to. The seas are set to get heavier over the coming hours and that will make things interesting! The upcoming conditions won’t be massive, but it will be boisterous, so we’ll learn a great deal about where our rivals are at competitively… One thing for sure is that it’s going to be quick, with regular bursts of speed at 40 knots and more. We’ve got into the swing of our watch system aboard, we’re focused and we’re checking the boat over thoroughly to ensure that all’s well. We’re readying ourselves to spend time at the helm, as we’re on a point of sail where that’s necessary, the helmsman performing better than the autopilot,” admitted Charles Caudrelier this afternoon.

The Finistère Atlantique Challenge Action Enfance

3,163-mile course across the North Atlantic
Concarneau, the Glénan archipelago, Madeira, Lanzarote (Canaries), Santa Maria (Azores), Concarneau (Brittany)

Crew on the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild

Charles Caudrelier, skipper
Franck Cammas, helm, navigator
Morgan Lagravière, helm, trimmer
David Boileau, trimmer, bowman
Erwan Israël, helm, trimmer
Yann Riou, media crew, helm

The entries

Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
Banque Populaire XI
Sodebo Ultim 3
Actual Leader

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