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.

23.11.2019

Hanging a left.

par Gitana

On this nineteenth day at sea in the Brest Atlantiques, the separation between the three competitors still out on the racetrack is relatively stable. Still heading the fleet with a lead of nearly 300 miles over her pursuers, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild was the first to hang a left yesterday evening and distance herself from the coast of Namibia to follow the curve of high pressure associated with the Saint Helena High. Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier are sparing no effort, keen not to shy away from any manœuvre as they try to exploit every possible variation in the shifty trade winds, which are proving to be particularly unstable.

Three out on the racetrack

There are now three crews competing in the Brest Atlantiques, following the retirement of Sodebo Ultim announced yesterday in Cape Town. The victim of serious damage to the starboard rudder and float between Brazil and South Africa, Thomas Coville had hoped they’d be able to hit the racetrack again very quickly. However, the discovery of a crack on one of the maxi-trimaran’s foils has forced their retirement from this first edition. Informed by his shore crew of this decision to withdraw, Franck Cammas had this to say: “It’s doubtless the right decision for them. It was their first race with this boat. It’s not easy. The best of luck to them. It’s never great news and there’s never a good time for a crew to have to bring a boat home out of race configuration. I’m sure it is with a heavy heart that they’re doing this.”

=> TODAY’S VIDEO

Charles Caudrelier, hidden talents for DIY!

The milder conditions encountered by the duo on the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild since passing Cape Town and rounding the Saint Helena High in her climb up towards the equator are enabling the sailors to take care of themselves as well as their boat. Indeed, the 32-metre got a bit of rough handling at times between Rio – Cape Town. The perfect versatile sailor, Charles Caudrelier swaps the helm for a toolbox, with varying degrees of success… but always with humorous appeal.

Watch the video

Ranking on 23 November 2019 at 19:00 UTC

1. MAXI EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD (Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier / Yann Riou) – distance to the goal: 4,487.4 miles – average speed over the past 30 mins: 23.7 knots

2.ACTUAL LEADER (Yves Le Blevec / Alex Pella / Ronan Gladu) – 289.4 miles behind the leader – average speed over the past 30 mins: 25 knots

3. MACIF (François Gabart / Gwenolé Gahinet / Jérémie Eloy) – 320.2 miles behind the leader – average speed over the past 30 mins: 26.6 knots

Retirement – SODEBO ULTIM 3 (Thomas Coville / Jean-Luc Nelias / Martin Keruzoré)

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