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.

01.06.2019

Second in the ArMen Race Uship.

par Gitana

Patience was a prerequisite in reaching the end of the 220-mile course for the 2019 edition of the ArMen Race Uship. Dominated by conditions associated with a high pressure system, the race was played out in slow motion even for the three competing Ultimes. At the helm of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas were setting sail on their very first race since they joined the five-arrow team. No matter the weather then, it was a chance for discovery and every session out on the water is a leap forward. Together with their crew, they secured second place behind Thomas Coville and his new giant, the latter more at ease in light airs.

Thirty hours of racing

Being at the helm of one of the fastest yachts in the world but having to contend with a lack of wind to make headway, serves as a stark reminder, if it were necessary, that offshore racing is also a school of patience!

On Thursday 30 May, at 16:30 hours local time, the three Ultimes in the fleet – of which the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild formed a part – were the last to take the start of the ArMen Race Uship. In a light W’ly breeze of around ten knots, the new Sodebo very quickly demonstrated that she was more at ease and led the way out of La Teignouse channel and the Baie de Quiberon. In the very gentle conditions, certainly not the favourite conditions for the latest addition to the Gitana fleet, the men had to manœuvre and trim constantly.

In fact, the skippers of Gitana 17 were supported by four crew for this long coastal course. David Boileau, boat captain, and Olivier Douillard, head of performance for the team, both very familiar with the boat, were present. The same was true of Erwan Israël and Gwénolé Gahinet, though they were putting in their very first tacks. And, lest we forget, there was Yann Riou too – Gitana’s mediaman – who knew just how to capture the essence of this outing in his usual fashion.

Out front, Thomas Coville and his men would not be caught up and so it was that they secured the first victory of the year as they crossed the finish line yesterday, Friday 31 May, at around 20:30 hours. The crew of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild followed suit at sunset after more than thirty hours of racing offshore of the coast of the Morbihan and Finistère regions.

A positive discovery phase

The hours spent out on the water are the only ones worth their salt in terms of apprenticeship. Discovering this machine in race conditions, despite them being light and a far cry from those usually sought after, was the primary objective for the Edmond de Rothschild duo, who set sail with no pressure on their shoulders for this first official outing. With a deserved second place and around thirty very instructive hours, it was job done and a great introduction to the 2019 season.

Start of the Fastnet on 3 August

The fleet of giants will hook up again in early August for the start of the famous Rolex Fastnet Race, where there will likely be four of them setting sail from Cowes. In the meantime, Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier will rack up as many sessions out on the water as possible and continue to discover the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild in speeded-up mode. It promises to be a studious summer!