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.

29.05.2019

FROM RHUM TO WATER.

via a three-part mini series created by the PolaRYSE teams, Gitana Team reviews the timing of events, which led to the damage and subsequent retirement of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, as well as the ensuing months.

par Gitana

On 4 November 2018 at 14:00 hours local time, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild set sail on the famous Route du Rhum. Up against a top-notch line-up, Sébastien Josse ranked among the favourites at the helm of this latest generation giant. After a memorable start off Saint Malo and a dazzling performance at the front of the fleet, Gitana 17 was forced to retire from the race after suffering major damage to her starboard float.

Accompanied by the project’s protagonists, and notably the members of the shore team and her naval architect Guillaume Verdier, the five-arrow racing stable invites us behind the scenes in the winter of 2018-2019, to the heart of the rebuild and the renaissance of the latest addition to the Gitana fleet.

Following a refit of over six months, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild returned to her natural element last Thursday, on 23 May. Tomorrow, she will set sail on the ArMen Race by way of an introduction to the competition scene alongside two other Ultimes. The 210 miles on the programme will be an excellent way to kick off training for the skipper duo, Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier, and their crew. The race start is scheduled for the afternoon in the Baie de Quiberon.

Relive the three-part From Rhum to Water series

Heritage

Retractable Y-shaped foils, adjustable in three dimensions

Revolutionary U-shaped rudders

A daggerboard optimised to stabilise the boat and limit cavitation

Rig: adjustable spreaders to control mainsail power while sailing

Central hull: an integrated, structural coachroof

FROM RHUM TO WATER.

Episode 1: the facts

Episode 2 : Understand

Episode 3 : Rebirth

Central hull:
an integrated, structural coachroof