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.

09.11.2019

Nocturnal DIY before the Doldrums.

par Gitana

For the past 48 hours, thanks to the positioning of their first gybe to the North-West of Madeira, Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas have been leading the fleet in the Brest Atlantiques. With only a slight advantage in relation to their closest rivals 47.4 miles ahead of Macif and 164.9 miles ahead of Sodebo Ultim at the 11:00 UTC ranking and a rather uncooperative trade wind, the duo has had to put pedal to the metal to defend their lead. This effort is heightened by the fact that the weather and the progress of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild are not always the only concerns of our duo. Indeed, at nightfall yesterday, benefiting from the wind shadow of Santa Antao, they had to repair an faulty gennaker furler (J0, the large headsail). These few miles in slo-mo’ proved to be the perfect opportunity for the duo to perform a fine night-time manœuvre on the foredeck.

Repairs session aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild

Sailors, athletes, fine connoisseurs of the weather and technicians… Offshore racers have to be versatile because even if back on land they rely on a team of top-flight specialists, once they’re at sea, they must be able to sort out situations that can hinder the boat’s progress on their own. Yesterday, Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier had to get out the tool kit for the first time. We offer you a glimpse at all that and more via our media man Yann Riou.

TODAY’S VIDEO

Watch the video

Entry into the Doldrums

“We’ve had a problem with the gennaker spool. The spool or furler is what enables the sail to be furled, which is something we weren’t able to do anymore. The gennaker tack line had come out of the furler and it was stuck. It was a real problem because the sail measures 400m2, and we’re coming up to a potential squally zone where this type of incident can have much more serious ramifications”, explained Charles Caudrelier. Indeed, the main course on today’s menu has to be the entry into and the negotiation of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Leading the way, Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier will logically be the first to feel the effects. The two sailors, who have traversed this race zone too many times to mention, are all too aware that once you’re within the clutches of this system, you have to constantly be opportunistic and on the look-out for any opportunities that come your way amidst the clouds, some of which contain breeze, others calm.

Watch this space…

Ranking on Saturday 9 November 11:00 UTC

1.MAXI EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD (Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier / Yann Riou) – distance to the goal: 11,139 miles – average speed over the last 30 mins: 34 knots

2.MACIF (François Gabart / Gwenolé Gahinet / Jérémie Eloi) – 47.4 miles behind the leader – average speed over the last 30 mins: 35.5 knots

3.SODEBO ULTIM 3 (Thomas Coville / Jean-Luc Nelias / Martin Keruzoré) – 164.9 miles behind the leader – average speed over the last 30 mins: 28.4 knots

4.ACTUAL LEADER (Yves Le Blevec / Alex Pella / Ronan Gladu) – 369.5 miles behind the leader – average speed over the last 30 mins: 30.3 knots

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